§ Q6. Sir C. Osborneasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the United Nations estimate that North American food surpluses will not be adequate to feed the world's increased population within the next 15 years, he will take the initiative to call a world conference on population, poverty and food; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI share the hon. Member's concern, as does the whole House, about world poverty and hunger. The United Nations, and in particular the Food and Agriculture Organisation, are devoting a great deal of work to these problems and I have strengthened the organisation of the Government for ensuring that we play a full part in their work.
§ Sir C. OsborneIn view of the fact that world population today is 3,250 million and in 70 years it will be 14,000 million and real hunger and starvation will face the human race, will the Prime Minister do all he can through the United Nations to help solve this problem?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, certainly. I led a delegation from this country 20 years ago to a conference—which met for some four months—on this problem. The questions now are no less urgent than they were then, and I fully endorse the hon. Member's concern about this problem. Steps are being taken to deal with it.