WORLD FOOD SITUATION (RUSSIA)

HC Deb 21 June 1948 vol 452 cc935-6

37. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consider giving Russia an invitation to join with us and other nations to contribute to a world food plan to put an end to hunger and poverty.

Mr. McNeil

His Majesty's Government, as a member of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, are already co-operating in international plans for increase and improvement in the production and distribution of food. His Majesty's Government welcome the co-operation of any nation in the work of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as the specialised agency of the United Nations which has been created for this purpose. So far the Soviet Union to our regret has not sought to become a member of the Organisation.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is the Minister aware that the recently retired director of the Food and Agriculture Organisation has made a broadcast appeal urging the Government to send an invitation to Russia on these lines, and that he believes it would be successful and justified? Will not the Government reconsider their attitude?

Mr. McNeil

I am quite aware of the statement made by Sir John Boyd Orr, but my hon. Friend must not overlook this simple fact that, as a member of the United Nations and as a member of the Social and Economic Council, member- ship of any specialised agency is available to Soviet Russia by their picking up a telephone.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Arising out of the original answer, may we assume, then, that the other dictatorship, Spain, will also be allowed to become a member under the terms of the right hon. Gentleman's reply?

Mr. McNeil

My reply referred to membership of the United Nations.

Sir T. Moore

The right hon. Gentleman said "any nation."

Sir W. Smithers

How can one play tennis with a man who will not send the ball back?

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Would not the Minister agree that the prospect of the world shortage is too serious for these diplomatic niceties and technicalities, and that it is for the Socialist Government to take the initiative in this matter?

Mr. McNeil

I greatly resent the imputation that we are sheltering behind diplomatic niceties. My right hon. Friend, on the instructions of this Government, moved a resolution dealing with this subject at the first meeting of the Assembly in London.