§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the offer of free transport, free housing, and free land to suitable Jewish families willing to migrate to the autonomous area of Biro-Bidjan in Far-Eastern Siberia, where an area with a splendid climate, good soil, and rich mineral deposits, half the size of England, has been set aside for a new Jewish region; and whether he will invite the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to co-operate with Jewish-aid societies in London and Paris with a view to encouraging migration of suitable families to Biro-Bidjan?
§ Mr. ButlerThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My Noble Friend is considering the suggestion in the second part of my hon. Friend's question.
§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, between 1920 and 1935, 150,000 Jews were added to the agricultural population of the Soviet Union, one-fourth of them in Biro-Bidjan, 2484W whereas the total number of Jewish agriculturists in Palestine is estimated at 50,000; and whether he will state what reports have recently been received on the subject?
§ Mr. ButlerI am aware that Soviet statistics provide the information to which my hon. Friend refers; but in the absence of British consular officers in the regions concerned, my Noble Friend is without detailed reports on the subject.
§ Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Home Secretary whether he is now satisfied that the staff of the Home Office is adequate for the task of dealing with applications from refugees for admission to this country?
§ Mr. LloydI stated on 8th December that in the previous three weeks there have been large additions and that further expansion was being made as rapidly as the need for teaching newcomers their duties permits. Since 8th December 18 more officers have been added to the staff of the Division, five of whom are experienced officers capable of handling the more responsible work.