HC Deb 18 November 1946 vol 430 cc506-7
44. Mr. George Jeger

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now allow parcels of unrationed food to be sent to individuals in Germany.

82. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the recent deterioration in the food position in Germany and Austria is causing concern to many persons in this country; and if he will now give further consideration to withdrawing the ban on the sending of food parcels by individuals to their relatives and friends in Germany and Austria.

Mr. Strachey

The question of permitting people to send food parcels to relatives and friends overseas, including Germany and Austria, is again under revision.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Could the Minister indicate when a decision on this matter is likely to be reached, because there is a great deal of uneasiness in England on this particular subject?

Mr. Strachey

I appreciate that the House would like an early decision.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that in reaching a decision, in the interests of peace, it would be most unwise to dam up the springs of charity and kindliness in the world? A great many people want to help by sending food parcels to Germany at the present time.

Mr. Chamberlain

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind my Question, No. 81, which is closely linked with this matter, and which suggests that, even if nothing can be done by means of ordinary parcels, something might be done through the extra Christmas rations which have just been announced?

Mr. Strachey

If a new arrangement is to be come to I think it would have to be come to in respect of parcels in general. If that is done people could use any of the extras given at Christmas as the contents of those parcels.

Mr. Lipson

Will the Minister bear in mind, in coming to an early decision on this matter, the fact that the present ban on food parcels is an offence to the conscience of a great many people in the country?