§ Mr. Purbrickasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the large number of non-combatant women and children who have been murdered in Madrid, any, and, if so, what attempts have been made by the British Government to evacuate nationalist sympathisers from Madrid and other large cities in the hands of the Spanish Government?
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§ Viscount CranborneThe House has on a number of occasions been informed of the facilities which have been provided by His Majesty's Ships for the evacuation of Spanish non-combatants from Madrid and elsewhere, and of the constant efforts of His Majesty's Diplomatic and Consular Officers in Spain on behalf of such persons. I am now informed that negotiations are in progress between the Spanish Government and the International Red Cross for the evacuation of a large number of women and children from Madrid.
§ Mr. C. S. Taylorasked the Home Secretary whether permits or passports have been granted to the Spanish refugee children at present resident in this country; and, if so, for how long?
§ Sir S. HoareYoung persons under 16 years of age are exempt from the passport and registration requirements of the Aliens Order, but by arrangement full records containing all necessary personal and family particulars of these children were supplied to the Immigration Officer on their arrival. The children were given leave to land not for any specified period but on the general undertaking of the committee responsible that they would be repatriated as soon as circumstances permit.