§ 37. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of men, women and children who lost their 4W homes in Port Said; how many have been evacuated as destitute persons; and what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to relieve the suffering and hardship caused by the recent fighting.
§ Mr. Dodds-Parker1,960 men, women and children lost their homes in Port Said. All are being accommodated by welfare organisations under arrangements made by the Red Cross. No general evacuation has been considered necessary, but at the request of the Governor of Port Said, about 500 women and 1,700 children who have applied to leave will be allowed to do so. The British forces in the area have made available food and other supplies for the relief of the civilian population, and ample reserves are held in the port.
§ 38. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what endeavours are being made through the United Nations or otherwise to secure reliable information in respect of distress among Egyptian civilians arising from recent military action in the Port Said area; and what action is being taken to ensure the provision of relief and medical aid through the United Nations.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerReliable information on conditions in Port Said is available to Her Majesty's Government from the Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces. Information is also available independently to the United Nations through the presence in Port Said of United Nations observers who have been there since 12th November. The Allied Forces have ample medical and food supplies for the relief of civilians in the area, and the International Red Cross has been given facilities to bring further supplies into Port Said even though they were not strictly required. No action by the United Nations is therefore necessary in this respect, and I am not aware that any such action has been proposed.