§ Colonel Carverasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects still reside in France; and whether there is any reason why, in view of the shortage of food there, many of them could not return to this country.
§ Mr. Georģe HallPrecise figures relating to the number of British subjects in France are not available but it is estimated that there are nearly 20,000. About 1,000 British subjects, nearly all from the northern part of France, have been repatriated and such repatriation is still continuing. It must be borne in mind, however, that most British subjects in France have been long resident there and do not wish to leave. Shortage of food exists mainly in the south of France. From there, unfortunately, lack of transport and difficulty of communications makes repatriation as yet almost impracticable. Every effort, however, is made to take advantage of facilities as they become available. In cases where the British subjects concerned have insufficient money of their own, public funds are advanced, against undertakings to repay, for the purpose of the journey.