§ 17. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare Whether the British Government are now assured that the wheat gifted to Greece by Canada will not be diverted to Germany and Italy; and whether the Canadian gift of tinned milk will now go forward for the starving children of Greece?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)My information is that the wheat sent as a gift from Canada to Greece has, so far, been distributed with- 172 out interference by the occupying authorities. As regards the second half of the Question, I am now able to inform the House that a request has been received from the Neutral Commission which is operating in Greece that the despatch of 100 tons of powdered milk per month should be permitted. This has been agreed provisionally by the British and United States Governments, though certain further information is still awaited. In accordance with this decision the consignment of powdered milk referred to in my answer of 20th October to my hon. Friend the Member for the English Universities (Mr. Harvey) has Been licensed for shipment, and my information is that it was duly loaded on the steamship "Formosa" which left Montreal for Greece on 5th November. Arrangements are being made for the provision of further supplies. I must, however, make it clear that we cannot promise the continuance of these shipments unless we receive evidence that the conditions governing the scheme as a whole are observed.
§ Mr. HarveyIs my hon. Friend aware that his reply will give the greatest satisfaction to all friends of Greece, including those in Canada and the United States of America who have been trying to help?
§ Mr. John DugdaleIs the hon. Member sure that no additional wheat will go to Germany as a result of this extra wheat going to Greece?