HC Deb 16 December 1953 vol 522 cc72-4W
Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Food how the United Kingdom delegate at the Food and Agriculture Organisation meeting at Rome voted on the proposal to build up an international reserve of foodstuffs, temporarily surplus to immediate consumption.

Major Lloyd George

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 14th December, 1953; Vol. 522, c. 30] supplied the following information:

RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION ON THE EMERGENCY FAMINE RESERVE PROPOSALS

THE CONFERENCE—

Recognises, notwithstanding a difference of opinion as to whether the creation of an international emergency food reserve or fund is necessary, that in any case a pre-requisite to the creation of such a reserve or fund would be evidence that Member Nations would be in a position to provide the necessary stocks or money resources; and that in the absence of such evidence it is impracticable to create an international reserve or fund as contemplated by the Sixth Session of the Conference so long as this situation continues,

Reaffirms its belief in the value of Resolution No. 15 of the Sixth Session of the Conference, which reads as follows:

  1. (1) That on receiving intimation from a Member Nation or region that a serious food shortage or famine exists or is likely to develop which it is unable to cope with from its own resources, the Director-General shall depute one or more F.A.O. officials to investigate the nature of the problem with the consent of the Government concerned and to report on the extent, if any, of inter national assistance needed and communicate the report to the United Nations and the interested Specialised Agencies;
  2. (2) that when, in the opinion of the Director-General, there is an emergency requiring international relief measures he shall, at his discretion, convene forthwith a meeting of the Council or of interested Governments to devise the most practical lines of action, which may be required to bring about prompt concerted and effective assistance by Governments as well as by voluntary agencies; and that the Director-General shall thereupon report the action taken to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for transmission to the Economic and Social Council.

Agrees that ad hoc measures to relieve famine conditions are useful and necessary.

Draws the attention of Member Nations to the importance of providing assistance in the event of famine as speedily as possible and to the advantage of the provision by Member Governments of arrangements concerning finance, stocks and services to meet immediate needs on the declaration by F.A.O. of imminent or existing famine conditions.

Notes with warm approval and commends to the favourable attention of Member Nations the action of the United States Congress in authorising the President to use for emergency famine relief up to $100 million of Government held stocks.

Expresses the view that if similar steps could be taken by other nations, a great contribution would be made towards meeting such immediate needs.

Recommends that F.A.O. should be prepared to assist in co-ordinating such actions.

Draws the attention of Member Nations to the fact that it is open to countries which are members of the International Monetary Fund, to apply to that institution for additional foreign exchange which might be needed to finance emergency food imports.