asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the refugee problem in South Korea has grown more serious; approximately how many are refugees in this area and how many are being assisted; and whether any consideration has yet been given by the United Nations to the need of extending substantial means for the economic rehabilitation of Korea now and when the present conflict ceases.

It is impossible to estimate accurately the number of refugees or of those being assisted, but we have reason to believe that the refugees number some three million. To this extent the refugee problem has not shown any improvement. Large-scale relief is provided through the military authorities, and a United Nations Korean Reconstruction Agency (U.N.K.R.A.) is being planned. This, together with the more stable military situation and the advent of the summer season, should help to alleviate the plight of the refugees, with which His Majesty's Government deeply sympathise.