HC Deb 09 June 1947 vol 438 cc712-3
72. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent assistance rendered to the United Kingdom in money, food and in other ways by the Dominion members of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Bottomley

As regards monetary gifts, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 28th April to the hon. and gallant Member for West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison), in which he gave a list covering the period 1st August, 1945, to 1st April, 1947. Since the latter date gifts totalling in value some £1,500,000 have been received or promised from the Dominions for the Lord Mayor's Flood Relief Distress Fund, for use by the British Red Cross Society and the Women's Voluntary Services, and for other similar purposes. In this are included gifts both of money, and of food and clothing. I know that the House will wish to join me in expressing our sincere gratitude to the Governments, institutions and private citizens of the Dominions for their continuing generosity.

Mr. Rees-Williams

What acknowledgment are His Majesty's Government making to the Dominions for their great generosity to this country?

Mr. Bottomley

Suitable acknowledgment has been made to all the organisations and Governments for the gifts they have made.

Sir Ronald Ross

Is Eire making any contribution towards these gifts? May I have an answer to a very simple question?

Mr. Bottomley

There is a long list of those who have donated.

Sir R. Ross

Is Eire on it?

Mr. Bottomley

There are many organisations. Whether there is in Eire a similar organisation to some of the institutions which contributed from other Dominions, I could not say at this moment.

Mr. Hector Hughes

As regards the latter date which my hon. Friend has mentioned, would he intimate the nature and extent of the assistance given by each Dominion?

Mr. Bottomley

It is a long list, and from time to time the Press has given reports. If necessary, of course, I will circulate the information, but I would much rather leave it as it is. I think that if we acknowledged that, it would avoid missing some.