WINNIPEG FLOODS (Hansard, 13 June 1950)

§ THE EARL OF SELKIRK
My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (LORD HOLDEN)
My Lords, no doubt the noble Earl will have read the statement made in another place on May 25 by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. Therefore I assume that the latter part of his Question could now be read as: in what way any action to relieve hardship arising thereby has been taken in this country. It is understood that there was an abnormal spring rise in the level of the Red River. It overflowed its bank on April 22 and inundated many small towns and villages in Southern Manitoba. The floods spread to Winnipeg, and by the time the river had reached its peak at the middle of May some 12,000 houses in the area were flooded. Many thousands of people had to leave their homes, and it is clear that great damage has been done to property. A Commission of Investigation which was appointed by the Federal and Provincial Governments has placed the damage so far ascertainable at some 27,000,000 dollars, but has reported that the full extent of the damage cannot be assessed until the waters have receded and it is possible to make a complete survey of the area. In the meantime, the Canadian Government have announced that they propose to seek Parliamentary authority for an immediate initial payment of 12,500,000 dollars to the Government of Manitoba for flood relief.
As soon as the extent of the disaster became apparent, the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Ottawa was instructed to inform the Canadian authorities about the eagerness in this country to give any practicable help in our power. The resources at the disposal of the Canadian authorities proved fully adequate to meet the immediate requirements of the flood crisis, but by arrangement with the Canadian authorities we have been able to assist in meeting some of the more urgent needs of the people of Manitoba as they return to their homes. On May 26, and again on June 1, the flagship of the B.O.A.C., the "Caledonia," flew to Winnipeg with a total of some eighteen tons of supplies which the Manitoba authorities had indicated that they urgently needed. These were made up of household necessities, 570 and included sheets, blankets, towels, curtain material and Elastoplast dressings. Further supplies were sent by sea on June 7. Distribution of the goods sent from this country has been entrusted to the Canadian Red Cross. We are now waiting to hear from the Manitoba authorities what additional goods from this country would be of the greatest value to them.
Arrangements have also been made to send assistance to Rimouski and Cabano, in Quebec, which have suffered severe damage as the result of fire. A substantial volume of supplies, including tools for rebuilding houses and household equipment, which the local authorities have indicated they need, will be shipped to Quebec during this week. I am sure I can speak for all your Lordships when I say what pleasure it has given us in the United Kingdom to be able to give some help to our Canadian friends in their recent misfortunes.

§ THE EARL OF SELKIRK
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for what he has said. I am sure that everyone in this country is most grateful to His Majesty's Government for the immediate action they took in this case and for the assistance they provided to our Canadian friends who have been so willing to help us in our disasters here. May I ask the noble Lord—and this was the purpose of the second part of my Question—whether it would not be possible to provide some facilities for private individuals, if so inclined, to make a contribution? May I also suggest a possible way in which that could be done, since financial transactions are obviously difficult, if not impossible? It is that goods of the sort required, which I understand are household chattels, furniture, clothing and goods of that character, might be purchased here and transferred to Canada without paying tax either here or in Canada. I am fully aware that the noble Lord cannot answer ire now, but I venture to suggest that as a line which I think would be appreciated and which could be taken advantage of in this country.

§ LORD HOLDEN
I should like to thank the noble Earl for what he said in the first part of his supplementary question, and to assure him that I will certainly study with care the proposition which he has made.