§ 33. Mr. Bairdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Hungarian refugees who have recently arrived in this country have since expressed a desire to return to Hungary; and what facilities are being provided for their return.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have no accurate information about the number of Hungarians who may wish to return to Hungary, but up to 17th February, the latest date for which figures are available, 121 Hungarians had returned. As to the second part of the Question, no obstacle is placed by Her Majesty's Government in the way of any Hungarian who wishes to return to Hungary and can obtain the necessary permission.
§ Mr. BairdWill the right hon. Gentleman make sure that none of these Hungarians who wants to return is made a casualty of the cold war, and that every facility will be granted to them to approach their embassy about returning? Has he any knowledge at all of the number of Hungarians who have entered the country without their parents and who are under 18 years of age?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir, I should want notice about the second part of the Question. As for the former part, there is an opportunity for those who wish to go back to do so, but fortunately not very many wish to go.