asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will arrange for parcels of food sent to Germany for distribution among displaced persons by the British Red Cross to be earmarked for a particular nationality at the request of the sender.

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 2nd April, distribution of these food parcels is a matter for the British Red Cross who allocate them to those whose need is greatest. I know of no grounds which would justify my seeking to influence these arrangements.

Does not the Chancellor think that if people in this country want to give part of their rations, for example, to people displaced from the Baltic countries, some means ought to be found of allowing them to do so?

; As I say, the arrangements are a matter for the Red Cross authorities, and, while I would not like to make any official comment on these arrangements, I think it should be regarded as equitable that the supplies should go to the parts where the need is greatest. In so far as the Baltic displaced persons are in need, I think their needs are provided for.