§ 49. Sir R. Clarryasked the Prime Minister to what extent the Government are making provision for the feeding, fuelling and clothing of ex-enemy countries on the Continent of Europe during the coming 12 months; whether such provision will entail further sacrifices by our own people in this country; and is he aware that any substantial further sacrifices for this purpose will cause widespread resentment?
§ Mr. AttleeClearly, the problem whether the local production of food, fuel and clothing in ex-enemy countries during the next 12 months will be sufficient to meet the basic necessities of the population depends largely on the course of the war. But His Majesty's Government, in consultation with the United States Government, have for some time past been studying the whole problem and are endeavouring to make such provision as may be necessary to ensure that there is no interference, due to unrest arising from want, with the operations of our Armies in such countries. No commitment in regard to these countries has been entered into which would involve further sacrifice by our own people and I need hardly say that the prior claims of our own people as well as those of occupied Allied territory will not be disregarded.
§ Sir R. ClarryIs it contemplated that there will be any further additional sacrifices male by our people to meet the needs of people in foreign countries?
§ Mr. AttleeI have already answered that.
§ Mr. BartlettIs it not a fact that our people are quite prepared to bear further sacrifices if they help us to get peace after the war, and, further, is it not a fact that we cannot hope to get such a peace if there are large parts of Europe starving?