§ 72. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs approximately how many refugees now remain under the supervision of the United Nations compared with two years ago; in what areas 101W encampments remain; and, in particular, what progress has been made in securing the aid and resettlement of Arab refugees now in Jordan and elsewhere.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThere are estimated to be roughly 2 million refugees within the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner (which does not include Palestine refugees). Of these only 50,330 were living in camps on 1st January, 1957. This was 34,000 less than on 1st January, 1955.
In June, 1956, there were 922,279 registered Palestine refugees compared with 887,058 in June, 1954.
There are refugee camps in Austria, Germany, Italy and Greece; and also in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza.
The Palestine refugees are maintained by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency on standards which provide for their essential basic needs. Little progress has been made in their resettlement owing to their unabated desire to return to their homeland.
§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what contribution Her Majesty's Government has made to the fund established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council to clear the refugee camps by 1960.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyHer Majesty's Government have so far contributed £260,000 to the United Nations Refugee Fund established by a resolution of the General Assembly in 1954 to finance a four-year resettlement programme for refugees. This sum includes £80,000 paid earlier this year. A further £20,000 will be paid if Governmental contributions to the Fund reach the total of $3.25 million.