§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Under Secretary of State for India, If it is a fact, as reported in The Bengalee of Calcutta, that the Indian Famine Insurance Fund has practically ceased to exist, as it has been devoted to the Burmese War; and, if so, what steps are being taken by the Indian Government to meet the eventuality of famine in India in future?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JOHN GORST) (Chatham)It is not true that the Famine Insurance Fund has been devoted to the Burmese War; but there is no surplus for 1887–8 out of which the Famine Grant can be paid. The Government of India seeks to protect the country against famine by completing the protective system of railways as rapidly as financial considerations will allow.