Oral Answers to Questions — Refugees' Camp, Egypt

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 26 Ebrill 1948.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Mr. Noel-Baker:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many camps administered by the International Refugee Organisation there are in Egypt; what is the number of refugees in these camps; to what nationality the refugees belong; and how long it is intended that they should remain in Egypt.

Photo of Mr Christopher Mayhew Mr Christopher Mayhew , Norfolk Southern

The Preparatory Commission for the International Refugee Organisation are responsible for one camp at El Shatt, and on 29th February last was providing for the care and maintenance of 634 refugees in Egypt. Apart from 571 Yugoslavs there are no national groups of any appreciable size. All parties concerned are anxious that these refugees shall be resettled as rapidly as possible.

Photo of Mr Francis Noel-Baker Mr Francis Noel-Baker , Brentford and Chiswick

Can my hon. Friend give any estimate of the time it will take to move these people out, particularly in view of the fact that this camp has existed since the early stages of the war?

Photo of Mr Christopher Mayhew Mr Christopher Mayhew , Norfolk Southern

I am afraid I cannot give an estimate. There is a possibility that some of the Yugoslavs may be moved to Australia, and that the remainder may go to France or to the French zone of Germany. I am afraid I cannot give an estimate of when this problem will be finally disposed of.