HC Deb 06 February 1958 vol 581 cc1337-8
21. Mrs. Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the Anglo-Egyptian Resettlement Board has the necessary facilities for satisfactorily resettling all the British refugees from Egypt in this country; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The Board has power to make allowances, grants and loans according to the refugees' circumstances. Up to the end of last year the Board paid over £1 million in grants and nearly £3 million in loans in addition to maintenance allowances. I would like to take this opportunity of expressing appreciation of the good work the Board is doing.

Mrs. Butler

Can the Minister say whether one of the difficulties in resettling these refugees is housing? Has the Board any power not only to make grants but actually to purchase houses in order that it can let them at an economic rent to the refugees? Or could some other trust be set up for this purpose?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The Board has power, and I think that possibly in the case which the hon. Lady has in mind it would be in a position to make a contribution of £500 towards a mortgage, plus a furniture grant. It also makes ex gratia loans within a maximum of £5,000, based on assets in Egypt, on the lines indicated by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 15th July.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Could the hon. Lady say roughly how many of these people have been resettled and how many remain to be resettled, or would she require notice of the question?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I shall be pleased to give the right hon. Member that information if he will put down a Question.