HC Deb 30 July 1947 vol 441 cc432-4
40. Dr. Segal

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what tonnage of British merchant shipping has now been placed at the disposal of the Palestine Government for the interception of unauthorised Jewish refugee immigration.

Mr. Creech Jones

Seven ships, with a total gross registered tonnage of 26,000, have been made available for the transfer of illegal immigrants from Palestine and for transport from the Cyprus camps to Palestine. Four of these, with a total tonnage of about 5,300, are of corvette type, and could not be employed for normal commercial purposes.

Dr. Segal

In view of the present heavy demands on shipping space for the con veyance of food supplies to this country, and for the needs of our Dominions, could not these vessels be put to better use than to force the remnants of the gas chambers and concentration camps back into exile?

Mr. Creech Jones

These are corvettes They are unsuitable for commercial use, and in any case Britain must carry out her international obligations.

41. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the latest situation of the refugees transhipped from the "Exodus 1947."

Mr. Creech Jones

The three transports carrying these illegal immigrants arrived at Port de Bouc on 29th July. The arrangements for their disembarkation are under discussion with the French authorities.

Mr. Janner

Can my right hon. Friend say that no coercion will be used against these hapless people to land so that they shall not be still wandering aimlessly after all their years of bitter experience, and will he say whether he is aware of the fact that 1,800 people, among them children and pregnant women, were kept in one hold without any sleeping requisites or proper accommodation?

Mr. Creech Jones

This matter is under discussion now with the French Government, and I am not in a position to add to my reply.

Mr. Skinnard

is my right hon. Friend aware of British Press reports that should these unfortunate people be unable to land in France they will be transferred to Hamburg? Can he assure the House that there is no truth in those reports?

Mr. Creech Jones

All I can say is that that is a Press story.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Jewish Agency has issued any public advice to these people to obey the orders of authority, and so avoid incidents?

Mr. Creech Jones

I regret I have no official information to that effect.

Mr. Scollan

Are the Government taking any steps to find out who is responsible for exploiting these people?