MR JANNER (Leicester. North-West, Lab) asked what estimates the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs had received from the British High Commission in Pakistan and in India of the number of deaths among residents in, and refugees from, East Pakistan, and as to how such deaths were caused.

SIR ALEC DOUGLAS-HOME—It has not been possible for our missions in Pakistan and India to make estimates of the number of deaths caused.

We are making a contribution of £1m in cash or kind to U Thants appeal for relief in East Pakistan which is over and above everything given up to now.

MR JANNER—It is clear that this situation has now reached the stage of a major catastrophe not only for the refugees involved but also for the Government and people of India. We have here a real threat to international peace.

SIR A DOUGLAS-HOME-The question is what we can do to try and reverse the flow of refugees. There are two questions: first, how to help ameliorate the terrible conditions, and second, how to reverse the flow.

A good many governments are giving active consideration to this. No very positive proposals have come forward as yet, although I am considering one put forward by the High Commissioner for Refugees.

MR JESSEL (Twickenham. C)—The behaviour of the Pakistan Army at present goes far beyond what is needed to restore law and order in East Pakistan— (Labour cheers}—and this conduct of the Army is the main cause of the enormous flood of refugees going into India.

SIR A. DOUGLAS-HOME-Tho flight of the refugees is largely due to fear. Il would not help if I were to say more than that now.