HC Deb 02 February 1948 vol 446 cc237-8W
111. Mr. Cuthbert

asked the Minister of Food how and to whom the generous gifts of food sent from New Zealand were distributed.

Mr. Strachey

Approximately 70 per cent. of the food is sent to local authorities in all parts of the country for the benefit of aged and needy people living in their areas. The remaining 30 per cent. is allocated to hospitals, residential charitable institutions of all kinds, and workers' rehabilitation centres. Allocations to local authorities are based on population, and those to hospitals and institutions on bed accommodation.

Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Food if it was on his authority that parcels of food purchased by the Sunday school children of Wellington, New Zealand, for distribution among the Sunday school children of England were seized and diverted from the recipients for whom they were intended; and if he is aware of the unfortunate impression created in New Zealand by this action.

Mr. Strachey

The food gift to which the hon. Member refers has not been seized or diverted. The scheme under which it was sent was introduced in 1946 at the suggestion of the Deputy Prime Minister for New Zealand but was not intended to apply to Sunday schools. We have now arranged to include them if specifically desired by donors, and instructions for delivery of this particular gift were issued by my Department on 24th January. We are extremely grateful for these gifts and should certainly not do anything to discourage them.