§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrangements which will be made for the dispatch of food and medical aid to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; how much will be involved; who will undertake the distribution; and what advice he is giving to members of the public keen to help.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have not yet taken a decision on the provision of food or medical aid to the Soviet Union. We will be discussing the matter with our European partners at this week's European Council. We believe it is important to tackle the underlying problems of distribution and, with British companies, are making specific efforts to this end. Members of the public who wish to help may send parcels to the Soviet embassy at 18 Kensington Palace gardens, London W8 4QX, or make out a cheque to "Aid to the Soviet People", account No. 00107301, held at Barclays bank, Marble Arch branch. The first consignment of parcels was dispatched from Stansted airport on 12 December.