§ 58. Major GLYNasked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Hoover, the American representative charged with the investigation of famine conditions in Europe during the recent War, had reported that the present starving condition of Austria, Hungary, and certain parts of the Balkans called for immediate relief; and whether the British Government intended to continue to bear the greater part of the burden of this relief, or whether the Government intended to represent to the United States Government the advisability of encouraging the American public, as advised by Mr. Hoover, to subscribe to the relief of this distress, on account of the financial position of this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo statement has been received from Mr. Hoover since he returned to America in the early part of September. His Majesty's Government do not intend to continue to bear the greater part of the burden of this relief. Whether the American public should be officially encouraged to subscribe to funds for the relief of Austrian distress is a matter solely for the consideration of the United States Government, and is one in which I am sure that the hon. and gallant Member will understand that it is not possible for His Majesty's Government to intervene.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman not understand the futility of feeding the people when they cannot get work? It might go on for ever.