HC Deb 02 November 1961 vol 648 cc13-4W
Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many refugees from Ruanda are now in Uganda and Tanganyika; what provision is being made for them; and what financial assistance is being given by the Governments concerned.

Mr. Maudling

According to the latest information available there are over 21,000 refugees from Ruanda Urundi in Uganda, but there may now be some increase in that figure. The Uganda Government has appointed a Director of Refugees to supervise reception arrangements which include the issue of food, the provision of accommodation and the medical care of the sick. The Uganda Branch of the Red Cross have provided considerable quantities of clothing and blankets and U.N.I.C.E.F. have made available powdered milk for the children. If the refugees intend to remain in Uganda for some time, arrangements will be made to resettle them. No firm estimate can be given of the expense incurred to date by the Uganda Government.

In Tanganyika, this matter falls within the responsibility of Tanganyika Ministers. I understand that about 2,500 refugees have entered Tanganyika but I have no information on the other points raised in the Question.