§ 50. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister what further action Her Majesty's Government are taking to relieve the present distress in Hungary; and, in view of the financial assistance already given by Her Majesty's Government, if he will offer the services of the information divisions of Departments so as to ensure that the public are made aware of the places to which voluntary contributions of all kinds may be sent.
§ The Prime MinisterThe relief of distress inside Hungary can be organised only with the consent of the Hungarian Government. I am informed that a representative of the International Red Cross has been conducting talks in Budapest on this question, but I do not yet know the outcome. In the meantime, many voluntary organisations in this country are accepting gifts in money or in kind, some only for refugees who have left Hungary, others without any such restriction.
I recognise the spirit which has inspired the suggestion in the second part of the Question and would gladly help but I am sure that the voluntary bodies concerned, with the co-operation which they are receiving from the various publicity organisations, both local and national, can be relied upon to inform the public fully how they can best contribute to the relief of Hungarian distress and where their contributions should be sent.