§ Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the approximate number of men, women and children in Great Britain who are considered eligible for free return passages to Malaya; in how many cases such persons are unable to accept such free return passages before the end of December; in how many cases has their claim to such a free passage been forfeited on account of such refusal; and why, in those cases, the reasons given for not using the free passage during the current year were considered inadequate.
Mr. Creech JonesApplications for free return passages to Malaya have been approved for 53 men, 164 women and 103 children now in Great Britain. The numbers include 10 men, 15 women and four children for whom deferment until after 31st December, 1946, has been asked. These requests are under consideration. Owing to shipping delays some postponement of the final date has in any event become necessary, and most applications for deferment will thereby be met. In no case hitherto has the claim to free passages been forfeited on account of refusal to accept the accommodation offered.