HC Deb 24 June 1948 vol 452 c1540
23. Mr. Frank Byers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any statement to make concerning the future of sick Ukrainian volunteer workers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ede

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Ukrainian prisoners of war regarding the disposal of whom I informed the hon. Member for Bucklow (Mr. Shepherd) on 16th June that no final decision has been taken. I regret I cannot yet add anything to that answer.

Mr. Byers

Pending a final decision, may I take it that there will be no move to deport any of these sick Ukrainian ex-prisoners from this country?

Mr. Ede

Clearly they cannot be deported until such a decision has been taken, but I am examining this very carefully, and, I hope the hon. Member will feel, sympathetically.

Mr. Beswick

Does my right hon. Friend now assume responsibility for the whole of these Ukrainian prisoners of war? If he does, at what date did he take over responsibility?

Mr. Ede

I could not answer the second part of that question without notice.