HC Deb 16 November 1949 vol 469 c2016
28. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further action His Majesty's Government is now proposing to take to assist the Arab refugees; and what is the extent of this problem.

Mr. Bevin

His Majesty's Government are now awaiting the publication of the interim report of the United Nations Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East which was appointed by the Palestine Conciliation Commission to consider and make recommendations regarding the refugee problem. His Majesty's Government will co-operate as far as their resources allow in carrying out such of the survey mission's recommendations as may be approved by the General Assembly. No accurate estimate of the extent of the problem is available. United Nations Relief for Palestine refugees is at present supplying food for 940,000 persons.

Sir R. Ross

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the United Nations the extreme urgency of this problem in view of the approaching winter and the fact that many of these refugees are out in the desert with very few clothes, houses or tents?

Mr. Bevin

We have done that; we have stressed almost every week the desirability of reaching a decision in this matter.