§ 69. Mr. Jannerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to express the thanks of the people of this country to the Australian people for their new generous gift of £8 million and the general appreciation felt for the three goodwill financial gifts sent during the past three years.
§ Sir S. Cripps:When the Acting High Commissioner for Australia handed me the cheque for £8 million sterling on 16th November, I thanked him warmly, and through him the Government and people of Australia for this further generous gift.
I am glad to have this opportunity of repeating in this House the expression of our deep gratitude. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said in a message which he sent to the Prime Minister of Australia on learning of his Government's decision, it will be recognised by the people of this country not only as a substantial and welcome material form of assistance to them at a time when we are facing grave economic problems, but equally as significant evidence of the spirit in which Australia again shows herself ready to make her contribution to the solution of the difficulties which face the whole world, and to support measures taken to promote the recovery of Europe.