HC Deb 14 July 1948 vol 453 cc1169-70
10. Mr. Eric Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to improve the conditions in German and Austrian camps of refugees from Czechoslovakia.

Mr. Mayhew

I am informed that 162 Czech refugees in the British zones of Germany and Austria have already been recruited for employment in the United Kingdom, or have obtained visas independently; and that the balance of about 80 are now under examination. These refugees are in Preparatory Commission of the International Refugee Organisation camps and my right hon. Friend does not consider that special steps are required regarding their living conditions.

Mr. Fletcher

Is not my hon. Friend aware that Members of this House receive numerous communications about the conditions in those camps from Czech refugees?

Mr. Mayhew

I will certainly look into individual instances.

Mr. Sorensen

While I endorse the implications of the Question by my hon. Friend, may I ask whether the Minister can say approximately how many of these refugees are in Austrian or German camps?

Mr. Mayhew

I could not give the division between Austrian and German camps without notice.

Mr. Stokes

Are not the vast majority of these refugees in the American zone? Will not the Minister make representations until conditions there improve, because they are at present deplorable?

Mr. Mayhew

We are in touch with the authorities of the United States on the general question of Czech refugees.

Mr. Sydney Silverman

How do the conditions in which these refugees are living compare with the conditions under which people are living who have been in displaced persons' camps for a good many years?

Mr. Mayhew

They have the same conditions as other persons eligible for I.R.O. care and maintenance.