§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what specific requests have been made to U.N.R.R.A. by the Chinese Government for increased food allotments in consequence of the present famine in that country; and what arrangements are being made to secure the best possible distribution of available foodstuffs to avert famine in all Far Eastern countries.
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Mr. McNeil:As regards the first part of my hon. Friend's Question, I am advised that a number of requests have been made to the Washington Headquarters of U.N.R.R.A. from time to time by the Chinese Government for increased food allotments. These requests cover different periods and commodities and I am afraid that I have not got exact or up to date information regarding them.
As regards the second part of the Question, arrangements are being made to secure the best possible distribution of available foodstuffs to avert famine in the Far Eastern, as well as other, countries by the Combined Food Board. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Special Commissioner for South-East Asia, Lord Killearn, has been given special functions urgently to coordinate arrangements for increasing the production and export of foodstuffs in South-East Asia. If his efforts are successful the Chinese will obtain increased supplies from this area.