HC Deb 10 March 1947 vol 434 cc930-2
13. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India approximately, the total number of British men, women and children now in India; and how many of these are engaged professionally in religious, educational, business and administrative occupations, respectively.

Mr. A. Henderson

So far as can be ascertained, the number of European British subjects in India is about 100,000. I have no information as to occupational distribution.

Mr. Sorensen

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the men, women and children who stay in India after June, 1948, will be assumed to be British or Indian subjects?

Mr. Henderson

I cannot possibly answer that question at this stage.

14. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what arrangements have been made to repatriate all British citizens to this country from India prior to the handing over of complete authority to an Indian Government; and if he will give an assurance that only those so desiring will remain in India after the handing over of authority and that full transport facilities will be provided within the specified time.

Mr. A. Henderson

Arrangements for the return of any British citizens, who may wish to leave India during the next 18 months, have been fully considered, and whatever transport accommodation is necessary will be made available.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman realise that that is not good enough? Are the Government proposing to make British subjects live outside the British Empire? That is what he is proposing.

Mr. Henderson

What I thought I had done, and I believe I have dons, was to answer the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Langford-Holt

So far as I could gather, the right hon. and learned Gentleman said that the Government are aware of the situation, but he has provided no answer to meet it.

Mr. Henderson

If the hon. Gentleman will refer to his Question he will find that, in substance, he asked whether British subjects who may desire to leave India before June, 1948, will be provided with the necessary facilities, and my reply was that they will be provided with any necessary transport to bring them home. [HON. MEMBERS: Free?"] Persons not entitled to free transport will be expected to meet the cost of their passage in the ordinary way, but if circumstances arise in individual cases which may render it necessary to provide free transport, that will be considered.