§ II. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many British nurses are still in India; and what facilities are being afforded for their repatriation.
§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)According to the latest information I have received, there are now in India and Pakistan 153 nursing officers of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service, and one matron and 26 sisters of Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service. These officers will be brought home or posted to other commands as quickly as the available shipping and transport will allow. It is expected that they will all have left India and Pakistan by March, 1948. I regret that I have no reliable information about the number of British nurses still in civil employment in the two Dominions.
§ Mr. FreemanIs adequate protection being given to these nurses during these difficult times? Further, could my right hon. Friend say whether proper provision is made for them to be repatriated as soon as they themselves wish to be repatriated?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThose who are serving with the military Forces will no doubt be protected by those Forces. They will be repatriated or sent to other Commands, according to circumstances, with those Forces. Those in civilian employment will have to decide for themselves if they want to come home. They will have the same protection as other civilians. They must apply to shipping companies for passages.
§ Mr. Hector HughesHow many of these nurses have remained in Pakistan and India, respectively, particularly in Pakistan, where their services are badly required?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI have no indication that they wish to come away.
§ Commander NobleHave there been any casualties among these officers?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAmong the nurses, none at all.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyAre these nurses assisting in the refugee problem, and would the right hon. Gentleman look into it, and, if they are not, see if they can lend a hand in the difficulties which exist?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI will look into it, but they are primarily looking after the British Forces to which they are attached, and for which they are required.
§ Major HaughtonWhat proportion of the British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance will be in India and Pakistan henceforth?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerRed Cross matters are looked after by the Indian and Pakistan Red Cross Societies respectively. The British Red Cross are supplying some medical material from here for which these two societies in the Dominions have asked.