§ 34. Mr. SHINWELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any grants from State funds have been made to 907 foreign Governments or organisations in foreign countries for the purpose of relieving distress since January, 1919; and, if so, whether he can state the countries and organisations concerned and the amounts granted?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Arthur Michael Samuel)The total amount of the grants of the nature referred to since January, 1919, is £232,000, including £175,000 for famine relief in Russia. I am circulating a detailed statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Substantial sums were advanced by way of loan after the Armistice for relief and reconstruction purposes in Europe. These loans are now being refunded. An account is given in the Financial Statement issued yesterday (page 6).
§ Mr. SHINWELLSince sums of public money have been granted in these cases, would it not be desirable to grant public money to the South Wales distressed miners?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot argue that matter now.
§ Following is the detailed statement:
§ Grants made to foreign Governments or organisations in foreign countries for the purpose of relieving distress since January, 1919.
| £ | |
| Relief of distress in Caucasus earthquake | 1,000 |
| Famine relief in Russia (administered by the Red Cross under Dr. Nansen) | 175,435 |
| Relief of Russian refugees at Constantinople (administered by the League of Nations) | 10,000 |
| Relief of refugees in the Near East: | |
| (a) grant to League of Nations | 19,208 |
| (b) supplies to "all British Appeal" | 10,000 |
| Relief of distress due to Japanese earthquake | 11,363 |
| Relief of distress in Albania (grant to League of Nations) | 5,000 |
| Relief of Moslem refugees from the Hedjaz | 396 |
| £232,402 |