§ Mr. P. Freemanasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is now in a position to state what arrangements have been made for the return of Austrian and German anti-Fascist refugees at pre- 1084W sent in the United Kingdom to return to their own countries, particularly those who are in a position and willing to help in any work of reconstruction and redevelopment.
§ Mr. J. HyndI have made arrangements for a certain number of refugees who are asked for by name by the Control Commission in Germany and Austria to go back to their countries. I hope that it will be possible in the near future for larger numbers, particularly those who would assist in the reconstruction of their countries on democratic lines, to be repatriated but the difficulties of accommodation, particularly in the British Zone of Germany, are very great and the transport facilities are limited. Applications to return will have to be sifted in accordance with an order of priority and as soon as arangements can be made to handle applications an announcement will be made. Meanwhile, no good purpose would be served by sending in applications to the Control Office for Germany and Austria or any other Government Department.