HC Deb 23 February 1955 vol 537 cc1266-7
29. Sir T. Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has from United Nations sources as to the number of refugees who have fled from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the satellite States to non-Communist countries during 1954.

Mr. Turton

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates the figure at 1,800. This estimate does not include refugees to Yugoslavia, and excludes refugees from East to West Germany, who are not a United Nations responsibility.

Sir T. Moore

While thanking my hon. Friend for that incomplete information, may I ask him if he has any information as to the numbers of people who make the reverse journey?

Mr. Turton

Of the 1,800, there are none who made the reverse journey. There are some going from West to East Germany.

Mr. Fernyhough

Surely, the recent cases of Burgess and Maclean and of Dr. John reveal that this is a two-way traffic, and, in order that we may get a balanced picture, should not the hon. Gentleman provide the information?

Mr. Turton

I tried to do so. I said there was a certain flow from West to East Germany. In the last year, there were some 200,000 who went from East to West Germany, and the return flow was in the region of 50,000.