§ Mr. LYLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the nature of the latest reports received by the Foreign Office with regard to harvest prospects in Russia; whether there is still acute famine and, if so, where; whether there is any serious drought this year; whether funds are still needed for relief work and whether any nations or authorities have, in view of the improved outlook, discountenanced further public collections in aid of Russian famine victims?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe latest reports from Moscow indicate that the harvest prospects are good, but acute famine still exists in the Ukraine. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the answer to the third part of the question is in the negative. Owing to the smallness of the area sown, the harvest, even if it fulfils all expectations, will only provide the barest ration, and distress is likely to arise in certain localities, as well as in the Ukraine. In these circumstances more funds will in all probability be required. With regard to the last part of the question, the answer is in the negative, but we understand that certain of the relief bodies are considering the question of re-adjusting their organisations with a view to concentrate on the particular areas likely to be affected by famine early next year.