§ 5. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Governments have acted on the invitation made by the League of Nations Council on 29th September to States, members of the League, to take every possible measure for the relief of the victims of the floods in China; if so, which States have taken such measures; and what measures have they taken?
§ Sir J. SIMONI regret that I have no information which would enable me to answer the question.
§ Mr. DAVIESWould it be too much to ask the right hon. Gentleman to secure the information, in view of the situation?
§ Sir J. SIMONI will gladly do the best that I can. I quite understand the 1620 feeling of sympathy that exists in all quarters of the House about this very sad disaster.
§ 7. Mr. DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that in a report to the League of Nations Council on the flooded areas of China, dated 28th September, 1931, the rapporteur stated that a number of countries, as a result of the League appeal had sent supplies, stores, and other gifts to assist the sufferers, His Majesty's Government has considered the question of participating in such measures?
§ Sir J. SIMONThis matter has been carefully considered, and in view of the financial situation in this country and the urgent need for immediate economy I regret that it has not been found possible to send direct financial assistance from His Majesty's Government. I have no information as to any appeals made to private sources, nor as to any response thereto.
§ Mr. McGOVERNWill the right hon. Gentleman see at the same time that relief is given to the sufferers from the means test?