§ 48. Mr. Keelingasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give an assurance that the calory value of rations in Austria will not be reduced below that of German rations.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)This is a matter for the Austrian Government to decide in consultation with U.N.R.R.A. I am, however, naturally anxious that food imports should be on a sufficient scale to permit the rations to be increased from their present low level, and we are in constant touch with U.N.R.R.A. on the question.
§ Mr. KeelingCan the Chancellor relate his reply to a comparison between Austria and Germany?
§ Mr. HyndYes, Sir. We are directly responsible for the maintenance of rations in Germany, but not for the maintenance of rations in Austria, which is a matter for the Austrian Government and U.N.R.R.A.
§ Miss Jennie LeeCan my hon. Friend give an assurance that in conversations between the occupying Powers when it is proposed to increase the rations, the Austrian ration will be at least the equivalent of the German ration, and that the British representative will support that proposal?
§ Mr. HyndWe are doing everything possible to persuade those who can con- 1057 tribute towards securing that end to ensure that sufficient imports are brought into Austria for that purpose.
§ Mr. WarbeyDo I understand my hon. Friend to say that the Allied Council has had nothing to do with the allocation of the ration level in Austria?
§ Mr. HyndCertainly. The Austrian Government fix the calory standard for each 28-day period, and we are making representations to the Austrian Government that they should maintain and even increase that standard as soon as possible.