§ 50 Sir J. Lucasasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what schemes are in operation by which British nationals may send food or other parcels to persons in Germany or Austria; and if he will give an assurance that no discrimination on the grounds of religion will be tolerated.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)There is no authorised channel for sending relief parcels to named persons resident in Germany and Austria, apart from the normal facilities for parcels to members of His Majesty's Forces and relief workers in the field.
§ Sir J. LucasIs it not correct that at least one religious organisation can send parcels? Is it not a fact that it discriminates and takes parcels only for members of their religion?
§ Mr. HyndI do not know whether the hon. and gallant Member is referring to parcels addressed to individuals. If so, there is no such arrangement. There is an arrangement under which certain relief organisations can send parcels to U.N.R.R.A. for the relief of displaced persons These parcels may be persons addressed to particular groups of persons, 1247 but the effect of U.N.R.R.A. is to ensure that such contributions are distributed irrespective of groups or religion.
§ Sir J. LucasIf I send a complaint against a religious organisation which will not accept parcels for anyone except members of their religion, will the matter be looked into?
§ Mr. HyndThat is a different point. The suggestion now is that a religious body say they cannot accept parcels for despatch to other bodies. That is quite probable, but there is no reason why contributions for anybody should not be made to U.N.R.R.A.