HC Deb 20 May 1946 vol 423 cc5-6W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will circulate in the OFFICAL REPORT, or give particulars in a White Paper, of the work that has been successfully carried out by the Military and Allied Control Commissions dealing with the transport, health, feeding, clothing and accommodation of displaced persons since the German surrender within the British zone; if he will give statistics to indicate the numbers involved and the burden that has fallen upon a small number of officers and officials during the past 12 months; and the approximate cost of their services to the British Treasury.

Mr. J. Hynd

I was glad to have the opportunity of referring, during the course of the Debate on 10th May, to the fine work of the British Control authorities, the Army, U.N.R.R.A., the British Red Cross Society and other voluntary organisations in assisting displaced persons. At the end of hostilities, there were in the British zones of Germany and Austria approximately 2,300,000 displaced persons. About 1,800,000 had been repatriated by January and only some 430,000 now remain.

The number of British officers dealing with displaced persons has varied from time to time and has decreased with the number of displaced persons and with the gradual assumption by U.N.R.R.A. of some of the tasks formerly carried out by the British authorities. It would not therefore be possible without considerable research to determine the cost which has fallen on the United Kingdom Exchequer in this connection.

Mr. King

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many displaced persons are now resident in camps in the British zone of occupied Germany; if he will state their nationalities or countries of origin; if he has any statement to make as to their final disposal; and if any of them are being sent to countries to which they do not wish to return.

Mr. J. Hynd

Approximately 405,000, comprising 263,00o Poles, 89,000 persons from Baltic countries, 15, 000 Yugo-Slavs, 6,000 Hungarians, 4,600 Rumanians, 1,900 Dutch, 1,000 Czechs, Loop Russians, and 17,600 of undetermined nationality and small numbers of various other nationalities. Their final disposal is part of a worldwide problem which is now being examined by the United Nations Committee on Refugees and. Displaced persons. The only United Nations displaced persons sent back to countries to which they do not wish to return are war criminals, quislings and traitors.