§ 16. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the approach of a World Refugee Year, what steps he proposes to take to help in the rehabilitation of the large number of refugees in Hong Kong.
§ Mr. J. AmeryHer Majesty's Government are contributing £100,000 to the World Refugee Year which they sponsored and very warmly support. Part of the proceeds of the World Refugee Year is intended for Hong Kong refugees.
§ Mr. RankinWhile I appreciate the Government's interest in this matter, may I ask whether the Minister realises that if we take the £100,000 in relation to Hong Kong alone, it represents 2s. per head for the year? Does the Minister expect us to believe that this sum expended in Hong Kong would have any material effect on the welfare of the refugees there?
§ Mr. AmeryThe hon. Member will realise that the Hong Kong Government are spending about one-third of their budget on refugees. We take the view that this is an international problem in which we are entitled to ask for support from others.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsDoes the Minister realise that most good-minded people in this country will be deeply disturbed to find that all the Government propose to give to the World Refugee Year is £100,000? In view of the fact that much of this will be spent in Hong Kong, will he press upon the Government that the overwhelming majority of people in this country would welcome a much more generous contribution in keeping with our international status?
§ Mr. AmeryIt will be open to the public to subscribe to the World Refugee Year Fund. We have made available £4 to £4.5 million since 1945 on such special aid.