HC Deb 30 January 1958 vol 581 cc503-4
27. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has received concerning United Nations proposals to help the Hong Kong Government over the refugee problem.

30. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions were reached by the United Nations Refugee Emergency Fund Committee on the eligibility of the Chinese refugees in Hong Kong for assistance; and to what extent the Government of Hong Kong has implemented those decisions.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Executive Committee of the United Nations Relief Emergency Fund referred the question of international aid for Chinese refugees in Hong Kong to the General Assembly of the United Nations without itself reaching a decision. Last November, the General Assembly adopted a resolution recognising that the problem is one of international concern and appealing to Member Governments and non-governmental organisations to give all possible assistance.

This resolution did not call for any special action by the Hong Kong Government, which has long been doing everything within its power for these refugees.

Mr. Teeling

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that the former Governor stated that no less than £19 million was spent by the Hong Kong Government in helping refugees which might otherwise have gone to improve welfare conditions in the Colony? Does he realise how very strongly the people in Hong Kong hope that something will be done to take this burden from them?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I recognise the extraordinary ingenuity and generosity with which the Government and people of Hong Kong have tackled this problem, which is largely international, and I fully understand their feelings.

Mr. Rankin

Is it not the case that action for the relief of refugees is being impeded because of the confusion created by the Hambro Report in which there is a question as to whether a refugee is a de jure or a de facto refugee? Does not the Secretary of State agree that these people are refugees who need help and who need it now? Will he take steps to have this matter raised again in the General Assembly of the United Nations when it comes to deal with the future activities of the High Commissioner for Refugees?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I agree with the hon. Member that one of the complications in this matter is that, in the eyes of those Governments which still recognise the Nationalist authorities as the legal Government of China, these unfortunate people are not refugees. I hope that no one will allow legal points of that kind to hold up help where it is needed.