Anglo-Egyptian Resettlement Board

HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 c599

39. Mrs. Butler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what date it is anticipated that the work of the Anglo-Egyptian Resettlement Board will be wound up.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Until further progress has been made, it is impossible to say.

Mrs. Butler

Does the Home Secretary realise that the Board is putting some pressure on these unfortunate people and causing them considerable anxiety by telling them that it will shortly be wound up? In view of the understandable difficulties which the remainder of these refugees are finding in settling in this country, will he give an assurance that if and when the Board's work is wound up some other agency will be set up to cope with cases which are still not satisfactorily settled?

Mr. Butler

I have ascertained the source of the hon. Lady's anxiety. It is that the Board's staff warn people in receipt of regular allowances that it will not be able to help them indefinitely, but in response to her Question I should like to say that there is no immediate prospect of winding up the Board. It is intended that it should do the work entrusted to it.