HC Deb 24 March 1942 vol 378 cc1798-800
33. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether, in view of the continuance of widespread conditions of starvation in Greece, despite the supplies of food which have recently been sent, His Majesty's Government will make further endeavours to secure that sufficient food supplies continue to be sent to Greece to prevent the starvation of the people in the ensuing months?

34. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Econonic Warfare whether he has any further statement to make respecting the supply of necessary foodstuffs and medical requirements to Greece; the estimated total quantity recently sanctioned for delivery, or now being sent to Greece; and whether quantities are likely to increase and be sent continuously?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)

The present position regarding emergency shipments of foodstuffs to Greece is that the steamship "Radmanso," carrying 7,000 tons of wheat, is reported to have arrived at Piraeus on 17th March. The steamship "Hallaren" is on her way to Lisbon, where she will load a cargo of approximately 4,500 tons of wheat, while the steamship "Sicilia" is expected to sail shortly from New York, carrying a cargo of 2,150 tons of flour, and certain medical supplies. The provision of a further cargo for the steamship "Hallaren" after she has completed her present voyage is under consideration. These shipments through the blockade are, of course, in addition to the supply of relief foodstuffs from Turkey. The Turkish steamship "Dulumpinar" arrived at Piraeus a few days ago with a cargo of approximately 1,900 tons.

As regards medical requirements, apart from the expected shipment in the "Sicilia," the Greek Red Cross in Egypt has been given permission to send a cargo of medical supplies, and we certainly should not object to the further transmission of medical supplies in the strict sense, that is to say, supplies which cannot be used for other than medical purposes. As regards the sufficiency of these cargoes to prevent starvation, I can only repeat that we have agreed to these cargoes of foodstuffs passing through the blockade because of the desperate condition of famine which the enemy has created in Greece. I cannot, however, give an undertaking that we will in any went make good all the enemy depredations.

Mr. Harvey

Have any of these cargoes been sent at the expense of His Majesty's Government, and, if not, will some contribution be made by this country?

Mr. Foot

No doubt we should be perfectly willing to make a contribution. The cargoes of the "Radmanso" and "Hallaren" have been bought and paid for by the Greek Government at their own wish, but I would point out that the cargoes were arranged in the first place in each case by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the hon. Gentleman keeping in constant touch with the Greek Government in regard to this matter, and, further, have any reports been received, or are any likely to be received in the near future, regarding the huger that the enemy may consume part of these supplies?

Mr. Foot

We are constantly in close touch with the Greek Government, but I would point out to my hon. Friend that the danger in respect to these cargoes is not only that the enemy will lay hands on the actual cargoes themselves, but that he may withdraw or withhold an equivalent quantity from local supplies.

Miss Eleanor Rathbone

Are the Greek Government satisfied that in the circumstances the most possible is being done?