37. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many camps administered by the International Refugee Organisation there are in Egypt; what is the number of refugees in these camps; to what nationality the refugees belong; and how long it is intended that they should remain in Egypt.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Preparatory Commission for the International Refugee Organisation are responsible for one camp at El Shatt, and on 29th February last was providing for the care and maintenance of 634 refugees in Egypt. Apart from 571 Yugoslavs there are no national groups of any appreciable size. All parties concerned are anxious that these refugees shall be resettled as rapidly as possible.
§ Mr. F. Noel-BakerCan my hon. Friend give any estimate of the time it will take to move these people out, particularly in view of the fact that this camp has existed since the early stages of the war?
§ Mr. MayhewI am afraid I cannot give an estimate. There is a possibility that some of the Yugoslavs may be moved to Australia, and that the remainder may go to France or to the French zone of Germany. I am afraid I cannot give an estimate of when this problem will be finally disposed of.