asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has anything to report concerning the progress made in transporting the 4,000 children and 500 accompanying adults from Bulgaria, for whom admission to Palestine was promised on 3rd February?

Progress has been impeded by formidable obstacles in the way of the provision of the necessary transport. I am glad to say, however, that there is now some prospect of an early solution of certain of these difficulties.

Seeing that it is three months since the transfer of these children was promised, cannot the matter be speeded up, as the situation in Bulgaria is deteriorating? Have any of these children actually started?

Certainly none have arrived. The hon. Lady will appreciate the difficulties. We realise the necessity for great urgency, but the House will realise that a great part of these matters lies entirely outside the control of the Government and depends on difficult negotiations with other parties.