§ LORD PORTSEAMy Lords, I beg to ask the following question of His Majesty's Government of which I have given private notice: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they can make a statement as to the food position in the Norman Islands and whether they will charter a larger steamer than the "Vega" to maintain a regular service.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, detailed reports have not yet been received from the representatives of the International Red Cross Committee who visited the islands but preliminary reports indicate that the first impression was that the general condition of the population was not too disquieting. As regards the second pan of the question, 556 the choice of the size of vessel is limited by the depth of water in the harbours of the islands, and I am informed that it would be dangerous, owing to the configuration of the harbours to use a larger ship than the s.s. "Vega."
§ LORD PORTSEAMay I ask the noble Earl whether he is aware that White Star liners have gone to Jersey and that large ships carrying two thousand troops went there regularly in the old days; and also whether he will use his influence to get food carried to the islands by 'planes, if that should be possible, manned by neutrals or by German prisoner-of-war officers on parole, so that the amounts sent to the islands may be of real use, and not such small quantities as to be almost derisory?
§ THE EARL OF MUNSTERI was not aware that White Star liners called at the Channel Islands in days of peace. As regards the question of sending foodstuffs to the islands by air, I very much doubt whether that is a practical proposition in present circumstances.