HC Deb 14 February 1945 vol 408 cc236-7W
Mr. Eccles

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the maximum help in material which this country can afford has been given to the rail and road transport system in France.

Mr. A. Henderson

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State made after Questions.

Mr. Eccles

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement regarding the efforts of His Majesty's Government to send tyres for civilian transport in France; and whether he will consider an appeal to the public to offer second-hand tyres of suitable sizes, as an emergency measure, to help the French in their difficulties.

Mr. A. Henderson

These requirements, of which the combined United Kingdom-United States authorities are well aware, are being met, firstly, by allocating about 7,000 new tyres for this purpose. Secondly, everything practicable has been done to rehabilitate indigenous tyre manufacture by the importation of necessary raw materials, in so far as these can be made available. The use of second-hand tyres has not been overlooked; in fact the Government stocks of second-hand scrap tyres in this country are being sorted and those of suitable sizes and with some further life are being shipped for use on civilian vehicles. For the time being at any rate no public appeal is necessary.

Mr. Bartlett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware that, while there is general appreciation of the results of the recent conversations in the U.S.A. in securing an allocation of shipping for the civilian needs of liberated territories, public anxiety persists as to the present shortage of heat, food and clothing, particularly in France; and whether, without prejudice to any long-term measures for improvement, His Majesty's Government will consider in consultation with the French Government by what exceptional means assistance can as a matter of urgency be made available to alleviate the present sufferings of the people of France;

(2) whether he can give details of the supplies sent at the order of various Government Departments to the civil population of France and Belgium since their liberation.

Mr. G. White

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrangements which have been made or are contemplated as a result of the recent conversations in Washington, to bring relief to the liberated countries, particularly transport and food.

Mr. Law

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement about supplies for France and Belgium which I made at the end of Questions.