§ 61. Sir P. Hannonasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on 178W the volume and value of voluntary gifts sent to this country by C.A.R.E., Inc. as at the latest convenient date; and if an expression of gratitude on the part of His Majesty's Government has been conveyed to the people of the U.S.A. through His Majesty's Embassy in Washington.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am very pleased to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the enormous amount the American people have done for this country in the way of food gifts; particularly as, at 11 a.m. today, an agreement under E.C.A. was signed at the Foreign Office, under which the United States Government will pay for the shipping and distribution of all relief goods sent to this country.
Since the end of April, 1947, when deliveries started, up to the present day, C.A.R.E. have distributed in this country 319,277 gift packages, value approximately£800,000. In addition they have already delivered 900 special Christmas packages which include a turkey and plum pudding and anticipate delivering at least 7,000 in total by Christmas time, total value approximately£28,000. C.A.R.E. also gave this country last week 25,000 cans of special baby food in honour of the birth of the Royal Prince and have been responsible for adding over 1,700,000 dollars to Britain's dollar fund, in the payment of freight, including the Berlin airlift, food purchases and services. We take every opportunity to express appreciation 'of this magnificent help.