§ 23. Mr. Spearmanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether he will give an assurance that the impossibility of supplying all parts of occupied Europe with adequate food will not deter him from permitting navicerts for a small supply of vitamins to a particular country, if that can be done without materially interfering with the blockade and our shipping arrangements, and if the representatives of that country are of the opinion that the amount in question will be of material assistance to their children?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)While I sympathise with the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind, I am afraid I cannot give the assurance for which he asks. The hypothetical circumstances envisaged by the Question would have to be considered by His Majesty's Government on their merits when they arose.
§ Mr. SpearmanIs my hon. Friend aware that responsible people consider that the shipment of only 2,000 tons of vitamins and powdered milk would save children in Belgium? If it is so, would it not be worth while allowing it for only one month?
§ Mr. FootI doubt whether that arises out of the Question; but if that scheme is carefully examined, it will be seen that the whole benefit that might be conferred on Belgian children could be wiped out by some small reduction in the present ration.