§ 15. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what communications he has received from the Government of the Central African Federation about the joint provision of facilities for refugees from the Congo.
§ Mr. AlportNone, Sir.
§ Mr. CallaghanWill the Government give an undertaking that if they receive any communication they will give what assistance they can to relieve distress that might exist among these refugees? Further, in view of the arrangements that are being made by the Central African Federation Government for the reception of Congo refugees, can the Minister tell us why they have been so miserly in their reception of refugees from South Africa? Should not distress be relieved wherever it may originate?
§ Mr. AlportAs has been shown in this country and elsewhere during the last year, there is immense sympathy for refugees of all sorts, from wherever they may originate. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing our appreciation of the generous help and hospitality which has been extended in the Federation to persons coming from the Congo, including citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. If any communication were made to us by the 1849 Government of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland on this matter it would receive sympathetic consideration by my right hon. Friend and his colleagues.