§ 9. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can report any progress as regards the efforts being made by His Majesty's Government to secure the necessary safe conduct for the supply of a cargo-load of wheat for the relief of starvation in Greece; and whether he will give the latest information available as to the extent and seriousness of the suffering amongst the civilian population of Greece?
§ 8. Mr. Stephenasked the Minister of Economic Warfare what is now the position with regard to the help to the starving people in Greece?
§ Mr. FootA safe-conduct for the ship carrying a cargo of wheat to Greece has now been received from the German Government. We have not yet had a 5 reply from the Italian Government, though i understand that their decision may be expected shortly. As regards the suffering amongst the Greek population, I made a very full statement to the House on 10th February, and I am afraid that subsequent information has only served to confirm what I then said.
§ Mr. HarveyMay we take it that this ship will be followed by others, if the arrangements prove satisfactory?
§ Mr. FootMy right hon. Friend who is now President of the Board of Trade announced last week that the Government are considering whether any further relief can be sent to Greece, and I hope that a statement will be made before long.
§ Miss Eleanor RathboneHave the German Government been asked to give any further concessions in regard to food ships to Greece? Does the concession relate to this particular ship only, because one ship will not go very tar in meeting the needs of the Greek people?
§ Sir Granville GibsonHas any assurance been received that the cargo will not be taken over by the Germans?
§ Mr. FootMy right hon. Friend stated a fortnight ago that we had not received any general assurance, nor should we rely on one if we had.
§ Mr. LeachHas the Parliamentary Secretary considered the danger to ourselves in continuing this otherwise quite good work?