§ 73. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Food at what date the dispatch of food parcels to starving people in Europe will be permitted; and whether he will give a broad outline of his scheme.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend is not yet able to state when he will be able to sanction the sending of food parcels abroad.
§ Mr. StokesIs it not a fact that at the time bread rationing was introduced it was the intention of His Majesty's Government to allow such a scheme? In view of the great anxiety which is felt by many people in this country, who want voluntarily to abstain in order to send parcels, could my hon. Friend say that such a scheme will be permitted when bread rationing ceases?
§ Dr. SummerskillI could not make a promise of that kind. I asked the hon. Gentleman two months ago to put down this Question, and I must apologise for not having a satisfactory answer. Perhaps he will wait another two months.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the hon. Lady consider the case of people who have been separated from their families in Central Europe, particularly Germany, for many years, and who are trying to get their families to this country, or to get to see them? Will she enable those people to do something for their own families?
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is difficult to draw the line; we either have to allow it or continue the present restriction.