§ 19. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken by His Majesty's Government to provide food and medical supplies, including anaesthetics, to the inhabitants of the Channel Islands who are now unable to import the necessities of life; and in particular, whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to invite the collaboration of the International Red Cross with a view to the supply and distribution of such necessities to the islanders under their supervision.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I am sorry I am not at present in a position to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Shrewsbury (Mr. A. Duckworth) and East Birkenhead (Mr. Graham White) on 2nd November.
§ Sir J. LucasWill my right hon. Friend consider the possible evacuation of the populations because the last people to starve in the Islands will be the Germans?
§ Mr. MorrisonI can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all the aspects of the matter are being carefully considered, and I am most anxious to do something as soon as possible. As he will appreciate, however, it is not wholly under the control of His Majesty's Government.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is widespread public anxiety as to the position of our own people in the Channel Islands? When does he think he will be able to make a statement?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat anxiety, of course, is shared by the Government. The facts are not easy to get. I cannot be sure, but I hope to be able to say something when Parliament re-assembles.