§ 116. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement to the House on the progress of the German and Austrian Distressed Relatives Scheme.
§ Mr. EdeA simplified procedure is now in operation for dealing with applications by persons in Germany who wish to join relatives in this country. Under this procedure the letter of invitation and any corroborative evidence which may be useful should now be sent by the "host" in this country by post direct to the distressed relative in Germany. A relative in the British zone should then lodge an application for an exit permit and a visa at the nearest police station. When these have been granted, the foreign relations department of the British Red Cross and the Central Office for Refugees at Bloomsbury House are notified. The Central Office for Refugees arrange with the "host" in this country the payment of the cost of transport. The British Red Cross arrange for the relative's journey from Germany and reception in the United Kingdom. Negotiations are in progress for the extension of these arrangements to persons in the United States and French zones. As regards Austria, the arrangements which I announced on 7th March are working satisfactorily.