§ 8. Mr. Brooman-Whiteasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on discussions with other Commonwealth countries about aid for Hungarian refugees; and whether he will propose the establishment of a joint Commonwealth fund to assist in meeting the cost of transport and initial resettlement grants.
§ Lord John HopeAs my hon. Friend is aware, Her Majesty's Government have demonstrated financially and in other ways their keen sympathy with the Hungarian refugees. I am not sure that this particular matter is one in which joint Commonwealth action would be more effective than individual effort by each member country. If there were a desire on the part of other Commonwealth Governments to deal with it jointly, we would of course be ready to explore the possibilities with them.
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteDoes my hon. Friend not consider that, whereas relief is a matter of urgency, the problem of resettlement will continue for a long time? Are there not some Commonwealth countries which could contribute more in facilities and others which could contribute more in money? Might not a more imaginative and far-reaching result be achieved in the long run by a combined operation by the Commonwealth, particularly as the need arises from action directly contrary to every belief and faith held by the Commonwealth?
§ Lord John HopeYes, Sir, I will, with pleasure, certainly look into the last suggestion of my hon. Friend.