§ Mr. Mulleyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many political refugees are at present in Trinidad; how many are from Venezuela; how many refugees have been deported in the last twelve months, and for what reasons; and if he will give an assurance that Venezuelan refugees will be allowed to remain in Trinidad.
164W
EXPATRIATION PAY AND ALLOWANCES — 1953–54 1954–55 1955–56 (estimated) £ £ £ Nigeria (Eastern Region) … … … … … 96,090 118,090 131,880 Nigeria (Western Region) … … … … … 106,750 123,500 120,000 Calendar Years 1953 1954 1955 (estimated) £ £ £ Gambia … … … … … 21,008 23,108 22,970
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydTwenty-four political refugees and their dependants are known to be in Trinidad at present. All are from Venezuela. No political refugee has been deported in the last year, but ten refugees from Venezuela who had been granted temporary permits to reside until such time as they were able to make satisfactory arrangements elsewhere, left the territory during the year.
It is the policy of the Government of Trinidad to grant asylum to bona fide political refugees, but the hon. Member will appreciate that I cannot give an unqualified assurance that all Venezuelan refugees, whatever their number, personal conduct or political activity, will be allowed to remain indefinitely in Trinidad.