MR. SOUTTTAK (Dumfriesshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether any proposals have been made or projects prepared for conservation by dams or reservoirs of the waters of the Nerbudda and Tapti rivers, the monsoon floods of which are now rushing to the sea through the Central Provinces and Gujerat, where the people and cattle have been perishing for want of water; and if no such plans have as yet been proposed, will the Indian Government consider whether it may even yet be practicable to store and utilise some portion of the volume of water which will otherwise be largely wasted.
§ LORD G. HAMILTONIf the hon. Gentleman wishes it, I will consult the Indian Government upon this matter; but so far as I know, neither of these rivers could be associated with large and effective irrigation works.