HC Deb 09 March 1953 vol 512 cc819-20
9. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied with the screening arrangements made in connection with the refugees from Eastern Germany; and how many such refugees have failed to satisfy the screening personnel in the last two months.

Mr. Nutting

The activities of the Commission screening refugees from Eastern Germany are entirely the responsibility of the German authorities. It would, therefore, be improper for me to comment upon the arrangements made or the results achieved.

Mr. Hamilton

Does that answer mean that our Government have no control whatever over the people who are now coming into the Western zone? Can the hon. Gentleman indicate whether there has been any increase at all in the screening personnel to deal with the increased numbers of refugees who are now coming across?

Mr. Nutting

My answer means that the responsibility for the admission of refugees to the Federal Republic was handed over by the High Commission to the Federal Government on 2nd December, 1949. The High Commission can, of course, intervene if necessary and if they consider that the arrangements are not sufficient to safeguard the security of Her Majesty's Forces.

Mr. Hamilton

How many refugees have failed to satisfy the screening authorities?

Mr. Nutting

While making it perfectly plain that it is not a British responsibility, I understand that in January about 5,500 refugees failed to satisfy the screening out of about 17,000 who applied. Comparable figures for February were roughly 5,000 out of 21,600.

Mr. E. Fletcher

What happens to those who fail to satisfy the screening authorities?

Mr. Nutting

They remain in Berlin.