§ 25. Mr. Healeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet decided what contribution Her Majesty's Government will make towards the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees concerning European refugees in Hong Kong.
§ 41. Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the position of European refugees in Hong Kong and China is difficult, and that delay in dealing with their transportation will have serious repercussions on them and whether he will consider favourably the provision of funds for the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees to help the resettlement of these refugees.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyMy right hon. and learned Friend is aware of the situation to which the hon. Members refer, and is still considering with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer the question of a contribution from Her Majesty's Government towards the resettlement of these refugees.
§ Mr. HealeyWhile thanking the Joint Under-Secretary of State for this assurance that a negative decision has not yet been reached, may I ask him to bear in mind that about 2,000 refugees are already waiting to be moved and another 20,000 are expected, and that the World Council of Churches, which is at present responsible, has run out of funds? Will he take an urgent decision on this matter?
§ Mr. HarveyI am not certain that the hon. Gentleman's figures are quite correct, but we appreciate the nature of the problem. The question is one similar to that outlined by my right hon. Friend just now—the question of resources.