§ 38. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations he has had with regard to the famine in Tanganyika; and what assistance his Department will afford.
§ Mr. H. FraserIndirect requests for assistance have been made to my right hon. Friend, and in this respect I have nothing to add to his reply to the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 21st November. A new request has just been received from the Tanganyika Government for a grant of £300,000 to meet the cost of distributing free food in famine areas, and this is being examined in the light of the circumstances referred to in that reply.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that there is disappointment among hon. Members on both sides of the House who asked his right hon. Friend the other day to consider making a grant to Tanganyika? I hope we shall not forget that it is a country about to achieve its independence? Would it not be a fine gesture to help Tanganyika to overcome this tragedy before the country becomes independent? May I hope that this appeal will be listened to with greater favour than was the last appeal?
§ Mr. FraserIt will be listened to, but I cannot go beyond that.