HC Deb 08 July 1946 vol 425 cc20-1
45. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the substantial financial contribution this country makes to U.N.R.R.A., he will now name the Minister to whom questions concerning U.N.R.R.A. should be directed, since affairs affecting the administration of U.N.R.R.A. are not matters for the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; and whether a full statement of the work carried out by U.N.R.R.A. from 1st January to 1st June, 1946, can now be given to this House.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

The Foreign Office is responsible for supervising, and coordinating generally, relations between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and U.N.R.R.A., and Questions relating to the general policy of His Majesty's Government towards U.N.R.R.A. should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Questions relating to the procurement of U.N.R.R.A. supplies from the United Kingdom should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. The Director-General of U.N.R.R.A. will present a report at the Fifth Session of the U.N.R.R.A. Council, which opens at Geneva on 2nd August, covering the work of the Administration during the period mentioned by the hon. Member. A copy of this report will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as it is received. In the meantime, copies of U.N.R.R.A. publications containing information on the work being carried out by the Administration in Europe are available in the Library.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Lord President of the Council aware that the people of this country want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth and that they are afraid they cannot get it if various Ministers answer in bits and pieces regarding U.N.R.R.A.? Does he realise that an enormous amount of money is being paid by the people of this country towards the administration of U.N.R.R.A.? Surely, we are entitled to have proper information from the Minister who is responsible to the House for these activities.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are a great many rumours in regard to U.N.R.R.A. supplies, and that many of them are mischievous in character? Will he take steps to let the general public know just what does happen to the supplies which are distributed in Europe through U.N.R.R.A.?

Mr. Morrison

When we know particulars of those misapprehensions we shall certainly be glad to give them attention.

Mr. De la Bère

Are we not to get further information? It is very unfair.