§ Mr. W. Robertsasked the Home Secretary what Spaniards have recently arrived in this country as refugees from France; whether any have been repatriated to France or Spain since the French armistice; where any remaining are housed; and why responsible refugee organisations are refused admittance to them?
§ Sir J. AndersonI presume the hon. Member refers to Spaniards who came to this country as civilian refugees. They were treated like all other alien civilian refugees, and were accommodated in institutions in London pending the completion of inquiries about them and until arrangements could be made to accommodate them in billets. None of these civilian refugees have been repatriated either to France or to Spain since the Armistice. Some 63 Spaniards are at present in four institutions in London, namely, the Public Assistance Institutions at Anerley Road and at Camberwell, the Empress Hall, Earl's Court, and the Alexandra Palace. I am not aware that responsible refugee organisations were refused facilities to visit these refugees, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I shall be glad to make inquiries.