HC Deb 25 January 1940 vol 356 cc802-3W
Viscountess Astor

asked the Home Secretary what monthly contributions out of public funds have been paid up to date to the Czecho-Slovak Refugee Fund?

Sir J. Anderson

There has been no system of monthly payments. As stated on Tuesday by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, the total amount hitherto advanced to the Trust is £600,000.

Viscountess Astor

asked the Home Secretary how many salaried persons were connected with the Czecho-Slovak Refugee Fund on 1st November, 1938, 1st January, 1939, and 1st September, 1939, respectively, and also at the present time, and the salary paid to each?

Sir J. Anderson

The Trust was not created until 21st July last. I am asking the trustees whether a statement can he prepared of the salaried staff on 1st September and at the present time.

Mr. Harvey

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue a statement of the amount of grants made by the Czecho-Slovak Refugees Trust, the number of refugees assisted, the number who have been enabled to emigrate and the amount spent on emigration by the trust?

Sir J. Anderson

The number of refugees being maintained by the Trust is about 4,500. A full statement of the expenditure of the Trust will be issued at an early date, and this statement will include information about expenditure on emigration.

Viscountess Astor

asked the Home Secretary how many members of the governing body of, or employed by, the Czecho-Slovak Refugee Fund, have resigned recently; and what were the reasons given for their resignations?

Sir J. Anderson

The governing body consists of three Trustees, of whom none has resigned. As regards persons employed by them in the administration of the fund, I am making inquiries of the Trustees and will communicate with the Noble Lady.