HC Deb 24 January 1945 vol 407 cc787-8
3. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether concrete plans have now been agreed for providing food and essential supplies of raw materials to the Belgian Government for relieving the present grave shortages in Belgium.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

Yes, Sir. Conversations between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government about the provision of shipping for supplies which the Governments of liberated territories wish to import on their own account have recently been concluded in Washington. It has been found possible to allocate, subject to military necessity and within the port and inland clearance capacity made available by S.H.A.E.F., certain ships against the civilian import programme of the Belgian Government.

Miss Ward

Will these ships be available immediately, or is there likely to be any further prolonged delay?

Mr. Eden

I think I am right in saying that they are available immediately. I think that is the position.

Mr. Graham White

Is it not the case that at present lack of capacity at the ports is a more serious obstacle than shortage of ships?

Mr. Eden

That is one of the problems, and that is why I put in my answer "subject to port and inland clearance capacity being made available."

Mr. White

We do not want to raise false hopes.

Mr. Eden

I agree.

12. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as a result of the Minister of State's recent visit to America, arrangements have been made to provide transport, petrol and cattle-feeding stuffs for France, in view of the fact that the beet-sugar crop is un-harvested and the cattle being slaughtered, which will lead to an acute meat shortage.

Mr. Eden

The object of the Minister of State's visit to Washington was to discuss with the United States authorities the provision of shipping for supplies which the Governments of liberated territories desire to import on their own account. I am glad to say that it has been found possible, subject to military necessity, to make certain ships available for carrying out the civilian import programme of the French Provisional Government. I understand that cattle food is included in this programme but it is for the French Government to decide to what items on their programme they wish to give priority. As regards transport, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Penryn and Falmouth (Mr. Petherick) on 17th January. A considerable quantity of motor transport has been made available by the Supreme Allied Commander, who is doing all he can to alleviate the situation, and the French Government will no doubt wish to import suitable vehicles on their own account. The provision of petroleum for civilian purposes in France continues at present to be the responsibility of the Supreme Allied Commander.

Miss Ward

Is the Supreme Allied Commander in fact making petroleum available for French transport?

Mr. Eden

Oh, yes, Sir, and I know that he is doing all he can. This matter has been very carefully and fully examined.