§ Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further steps are being taken to alleviate the human suffering and destruction in Italy caused by the recent floods.
§ Mrs. WhiteThe amounts contributed from various sources in this country to Italian flood relief have continued to grow since the statement by my right hon. Friend on 18th November. The Italian Art and Archives Rescue Fund, under the chairmanship of Sir Ashley Clarke, has already sent to Italy nearly £50,000 in cash or materials. The latest figures available suggest that, if this amount is included, the sums so far given or pledged total some £250,000.
I understand that, in addition, a Trust Fund is to be set up, under the chairmanship of Lord Hastings, for the relief of human victims of the floods, both in Florence and in other parts of Italy. I am told the Fund will be opened officially in January, after the necessary preparations have been made. Lord Hastings' fellow trustees will include the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of London, the Right Reverend the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Viscount Boyd of Merton, Sir Harold Woolley, Sir Gilbert Inglefield and Mr. Charles Forte. Her Majesty's Government welcome the intention to establish this Fund and wish it every success.
I should like to take this opportunity of paying tribute to the efforts of the voluntary societies as well as to the public spirit of the private individuals who have contributed towards, or are helping to organise, relief.