§ VISCOUNT SWINTONI beg to ask the Government the following question, of which I have given private notice: To ask His Majesty's Government what is the approximate amount of the gifts which have been offered by Governments and private organizations in oversea countries of the British Commonwealth for the relief of distress caused by the recent floods in this country.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, as the noble Viscount is aware, a fund for the relief of distress due to the recent floods has been opened by the Lord Mayor of London, who publishes daily in the Press particulars of the larger gifts received. I understand that gifts amounting to the magnificent sum of more than£1,000,000 sterling have been made or promised by Governments, societies and individuals in the oversea Dominions and Colonies. I take this opportunity to renew our expressions of profound gratitude, which I feel the House will share, to our friends overseas for their most generous help.
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONI am very glad the Government have taken the opportunity of giving wider publicity to these many acts of generosity. I really do not know which we appreciate the more, the generous material help or the kindly sympathy which inspires it. This is one more typical example of the truth that in the British Commonwealth we are all members one of another.