HC Deb 24 June 1947 vol 439 cc196-7
42. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for War what measures the British Military Administration have taken to forestall famine conditions in Libya as a result of the serious drought and consequent crop failure.

Mr. Bellenger

As the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The Administration has taken vigorous action to alleviate distress. A Grain Commission, consisting of British, Arab and Italian members, was appointed to survey the grain resources of the territory. Grain rationing has been enforced and measures taken to prevent hoarding. Application has been made to the International Emergency Food Council, through the Ministry of Food, for an allocation of grain to meet the civilian requirements. Steps were taken by the Administration at the beginning of April to make an additional issue of over 3,000 tons of grain on ration to some 300,000 persons in the most hungry areas, and as from this month a further 30,000 tons of imported grain is being allocated.

The effect of the drought in Cyrenaica has been less severe and a fair proportion of the crop has been saved but it has been necessary for the British Military Administration to arrange the importation of a quantity of cereals. The situation has not, however, warranted the emergency measures which have had to be taken in Tripolitania. Shipments of grain are now on their way to these territories and it is hoped that the quantities of cereals for which application has been made by the Administration will be available. In this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Hythe (Brigadier Mackeson) on 20th May, in which I gave details of the programme of cereal imports for these territories.