§ 105. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he 122W is aware that 9,000 British subjects, with their wives and families, are now awaiting a passage home to the United Kingdom for long overdue leave; that whereas 1,000 civilians per month sailed from India last year, the total for February, March and April of the present year is not expected to be more than 30o per month; and what steps he is taking to expedite passages for these British subjects, many of whom have been away from home for over to years.
§ Mr. A. Henderson:I cannot give a precise figure for the total number of registered applicants awaiting passage, but the number of urgent cases was recently reported as being some 4,500. The average monthly lift of civilians this year has been 800, not 300 as suggested by the hon. Member. The urgency of this problem is fully appreciated and I can assure the hon. Member that every possible effort is being made to obtain additional passages, but there is still insufficient accommodation available for all who wish to travel.