§ 7. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to which European resettlement funds for refugees Her Majesty's Government has contributed in accordance with Recommendation 75 of 1955 of the Council of Europe.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe Recommendation to which the hon. Member refers deals with the Council of Europe Resettlement Fund for National Refugees and Overpopulation in Europe. Her Majesty's Government have not contributed to this Fund.
§ Mr. JegerDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that the representatives of Britain, from both sides of this House, on the Council of Europe voted for this Recommendation, and is it not a rather sad reflection on the sincerity and the good intentions of the Government that they have ignored that Recommendation, which was accepted unanimously at Strasbourg?
§ Mr. HarveyNo, Sir. I think, on reflection, that the decision was the right one.
§ Major BeamishWhile recognising the very generous help which successive British Governments have given to European refugees, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he does not think that the failure of the Government to adhere to I.C.E.M. is wholly illogical, in view 345 of the fact that the great majority of Europeans moved under that international scheme have gone to the Dominions?
§ Mr. HarveyI appreciate the point which my hon. and gallant Friend has made, but we have to consider our resources very carefully, and I think that in the circumstances we could not afford to make a further contribution in that direction.