HC Deb 10 October 1944 vol 403 cc1571-2
48. Mr. Hynd

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the grave situation facing the people of liberated Italy due to the complete destruction of transport facilities which prevents the distribution of food available in various parts of that country; and whether anything is being done by the United Nations towards providing sufficient road vehicles to enable the distribution of this food in time to stave off the threatening, famine this winter.

Mr. Attlee

I am well aware of the difficulties referred to by my hon. Friend. As soon as Italy's liberation was begun, the restoration of the principal roads and railways was taken in hand by the Allied armies and large quantities of supplies have in fact been distributed. As soon as possible the secondary or subsidiary routes are also restored. A large number of lorries have been handed to the Italian Government for the distribution of supplies to the civil population.

Mr. Hynd

Is the Minister aware that it is not a question of repairing roads so much as the supply of lorries; that the roads are there and stocks of food are available in various parts; and that there is famine threatening in that the particular difficulty is the availability of the lorries? Is he aware that a statement appeared in the Press the other day that America had discussed the question of providing lorries; and to what extent are we co-operating in order to prevent the threatened famine this winter?

Mr. Attlee

There is some question of roads as well but actually, as I informed the hon. Member, a very large number of lorries have been supplied.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the suggestion in the last part of the Question, that there is a threat of famine in Italy this winter?

Mr. Attlee

No, Sir, I think there is a danger always of shortages in particular places due to the lack of means of communication.