asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Abyssinian refugees are now in British territory; whether any have been deported to the Italian authorities or elsewhere; and whether arrangements are being made for the permanent settlement of these refugees?

According to the latest figures which I have received there are approximately 6,180 refugees in Kenya, 1,348 in Somaliland, 6o in Palestine, and 32 in Aden. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. No arrangements have yet been made as regards the future disposition of these refugees but, as has already been explained to the House, it is not possible to contemplate their permanent settlement in Kenya and Somaliland would be still more unsuitable.

May we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that these unfortunate refugees will not be sent back to Abyssinia as long as the Italians are in control?

That is too sweeping an assurance for it to be possible to give, but certainly there is no suggestion of their being sent back now or even in the near future.

Would it not be possible to settle them in the Sudan?