§ 14. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the facilities for economic assistance afforded by U.N.R.R.A. were brought to the notice of the French and Belgian Governments; at what time was such 200 assistance refused; and what steps were taken by His Majesty's Government to bring to the notice of the French and Belgian Governments the political and military consequences of such refusal.
§ Mr. LawThe French and Belgian Governments are themselves members of the Council of U.N.R.R.A. and have, therefore, always been fully informed of its constitution, terms of reference and its activities.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWhile that may very well be the case, is it not becoming increasingly clear that the economic power in the hands of U.N.R.R.A. is altogether insufficient for dealing with the needs caused by war on the modern scale?
§ Mr. LawI think that my Noble Friend is under some misapprehension. I do not think there was ever any question of U.N.R.R.A. being responsible for the whole economic rehabilitation of Europe or the Far East. U.N.R.R.A. has its part to play and other agencies have their parts to play.
§ Mr. ShinwellCannot we induce the Government to take a very serious view of the economic situation in France and Belgium and the need for bringing speedy relief in the form of food and other necessities to these people; and does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the great bearing of this matter on the future of Europe and our relations with those countries?
§ Mr. LawThere is no need for my hon. Friend to induce the Government to take a serious view of this. We are fully conscious of the importance of these matters, and perhaps it would be better if my hon. Friend would await the full statement which I have to make at the end of Questions on this very subject.