asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will endeavour to establish an Allied Committee composed of Ministers of Cabinet rank empowered to co-ordinate the activities of the various organisations, national and international, concerned with relief measures in Europe.

The United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration is already charged, under the terms of the Agreement signed at Washington on 9th November, 1943, by all the United Nations, with the duty of co-ordinating relief measures, though its power to do so is of course subject to the consent of the member Governments concerned. The Council which controls the policy of this international body consists of representatives of the United Nations, most of whom are of rank corresponding to that of Cabinet Ministers. It is the Committee of the Council for Europe which meets in London which is specially concerned with relief measures in Europe. The administration maintains close touch with the Allied military authorities and endeavours to combine its relief measures with theirs. No useful purpose would appear to be served by attempting to set up another Allied Committee for the same purpose.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that something more cannot, in fact, be done to prevent some of the overlapping which is taking place (between U.N.R.R.A. relief teams, the Red Cross and other organisations working with the Allied military commands?

I am doubtful whether prevention of the overlapping would be facilitated by the construction of such a committee as my hon. and gallant Friend has suggested.

Is this committee taking charge of the hundreds of Polish women who are now suffering untold hardships in Germany, and are really in a very parlous condition?

What does the Noble Lady mean by "this committee"? I read out the names of several committees which are already exerting themselves, and there is also the one proposed by my hon. and gallant Friend, which I have advised should not be set up. I cannot conceive any reason why they should exclude the task of aiding the victims of misfortune such as the Noble Lady has mentioned from the purview of their activities, but I am quite willing to find out whether they have neglected it, and if so, why.

asked the Prime Minister what British Departments are concerned in different aspects of European relief and reconstruction; what are the arrangements for co-ordinating their action; what are the combined organisations, including representatives of His Majesty's Government and other governments, similarly concerned; and what are the arrangements for ensuring co-ordination between them.

The principal responsibility in these matters lies with the Foreign Office, the War Office and the Ministry of Production. Their action and that of other Departments concerned is co-ordinated in the normal way, by means of Cabinet Committees and otherwise. The combined organisations include the Combined Boards, the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, the Provisional Executive for European Inland Transport, the United Nations Maritime Authority, the European Coal Organisation and the Emergency Economic Committee for Europe. The Emergency Economic Committee for Europe, which held its first meeting on 28th May, will also, where appropriate, concert the action of specialist organisations in the European field.

:Is my right hon. Friend aware that hitherto we have had answers from five different Ministers, including those of Transport and Food? Could we now put all Questions down to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

I cannot answer that on the spur of the moment, but it is obvious that when you are dealing with the affairs of a Continent, there will be various aspects under which these affairs must be treated.

In view of the fact that these very important matters are being more and more co-ordinated, will my right hon. Friend give favourable consideration to the suggestion that we should be able to address Questions on matters of principle to one Minister?

I will certainly consider that.

:Arising out of the Prime Minister's last two answers, may I ask whether the Chancellor of the Duchy will be in charge of matters affecting U.N.R.R.A.?

He will not be in charge of them, but he will be concerned with them.

Will the Prime Minister draw the attention of the Chancellor of the Duchy to the great importance of supporting the work of U.N.R.R.A. in respect of displaced persons?

Yes, Sir. I think this interchange in the House will probably have the desired effect.

In view of the interest taken by hon. Members on all sides, would the Prime Minister consider issuing a White Paper to explain, when they are sufficiently clear, the number of bodies which are dealing with different aspects of this problem in Europe?

Yes, Sir. I see no reason why that should not be done, but I would rather not name an exact date when it will be done.