HC Deb 09 February 1931 vol 248 c43W
Mr. O. BALDWIN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will ask for a report from His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington as to whether any British subjects were included among the persons who have died from starvation recently in the United States of America?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

It is the duty of His Majesty's Consular Officers to advise and assist British subjects in distress to the utmost of their power. Such assistance may be given out of local funds or charities which, in some cases, are administered by the Consul himself. I have received no reports indicating that British subjects in the United States have recently died of starvation; and, in these circumstances, I do not consider that the action proposed by my hon. Friend is called for.