Expelled Germans, Poland (Travel Conditions)

HC Deb 29 January 1947 vol 432 cc205-6W

91. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make a statement about the condition of German deportees who have recently arrived in the British zone from Poland, and whether he will represent to the authorities dispatching these people that, in the case of further expulsions, such arrangements should be made as will safeguard the people affected from death, injury and distress during their journey.

93. Mr. Birch

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many Germans expelled from other areas and countries have arrived in the British zone since 1st December, 1946, either frozen to death or with limbs so badly frost-bitten as to require amputation.

97 and 98. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the number of cases of frostbite amongst displaced persons arriving in the British zone; what explanation is forthcoming; and what steps have been taken to avoid such suffering in the future;

(2) how many cases of frostbite have been noted among displaced persons recently arriving in the British zone; how many were fatal; and how many were children.

Mr. J. Hynd

I would first refer to the full statement which I made on the 22nd January in reply to the hon. Member for The High Peak (Mr. Molson). I have since had a further report from Germany containing the following information:

Casualties due to cold were confined to refugees travelling on the two trains which arrived in the British zone on 15th and 21st December, 1946. The total death roll from cold is now 53, of whom 31 died in hospitals in the British zone. There were no children amongst these casualties. In addition, there have been 162 cases of frost-bite, 29 of whom were children. No amputations have yet been carried out, but it is expected that 25 will have to be performed as soon as the patients are fit for operation. No casualties due to cold have occurred amongst refugees despatched into the British zone from areas and countries other than Polish administered territory.