§ Mr. Eden(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has now considered further the possibility of offering any material assistance to the Canadian Government for the people of Winnipeg, so that this country can show its practical sympathy with them in their ordeal.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. A telegram has been sent to the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Canada telling him that we are anxious to demonstrate our sympathy with the people of Winnipeg in some practical form. He has been asked to see the Prime Minister of Canada and to inform him that if there are any gaps in Canadian relief arrangements which we could help to fill we should be only too glad to do all in our power to help in the way of drugs, medical services, skilled personnel, etc. I am sure that the House will cordially endorse this offer.
§ Mr. EdenMay I make one or two suggestions over and above the medical personnel? What about clothing, which this country can supply, I think, on effectively as large a scale as any one; and perhaps also livestock, in which a great loss has fallen upon that part of Canada? I wonder whether the Prime Minister could not consider whether under some auspices a fund might be opened, to which I have no doubt many people would like to subscribe, in order to send 1396 this help once its nature has been determined by conversations between the Governments.
§ The Prime MinisterI think it would be best if we waited to see what are their urgent needs. We have no information at present as to what are their particular needs and how we can best fill them. I think that if hon. Members would await the reply to what the High Commissioner has put before the Canadian Government, that would be best.
§ Mr. EdenI quite accept that, but will the Prime Minister consider the suggestion of the fund which I have made?
§ The Prime MinisterI will consider it then.