HC Deb 23 October 1946 vol 427 cc1638-9
12. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reasons for the opposition of the British representative, at the fifth Session of the Council of U.N.R.R.A., to any proposals made for the continuance of U.N.R.R.A. 's relief and supply activities, at least until the 1947 harvest.

Mr. Bevin

His Majesty's Government decided not to support the continuation of U.N.R.R.A. after the completion of its present programme of operations, which will last well into 1947, largely because, in their view, the problem will then be no longer one of relief. The needs of countries are not uniform and it really becomes a question of balance of payments which will have to be taken into account. The Fifth Session of the Council adopted a resolution to go into this problem of balance of payments, and His Majesty's Government, in view of their own limited resources, cannot pledge themselves to undertake any further liability except in cases of proven need.

Mr. Warbey

Is it not the case that reports from many countries show that the need for relief is likely to continue well after next year's harvest; and would it not be to the credit of this country if we had taken a stand for the provision of "collective security," which this great institution implies?

Mr. Bevin

I feel that this country has contributed out of all proportion. While we are willing to continue taxing our people to help cases of proven need, we cannot enter into unlimited liabilities of this character.

Mr. Leslie Hale

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the special needs of Greece, and that the delay in coming to a final settlement on reparations may make it impossible for the Greek people to undertake the burden themselves, and may make it essential for temporary measures to be initiated for their help?

Mr. Bevin

There are individual cases which will receive our consideration, but we cannot again go in for that form of relief which we have indulged in through U.N.R.R.A. after this year.

Mr. Warbey

In view of the public importance of this question, I beg to give notice to raise the matter on the Adjournment.