§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India how many people in India are estimated to be suffering from famine in India, how many are engaged upon public relief works, and what is the total sum available to meet the distress in India.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, EalingThe area affected by the drought in India contains a population of about sixty-one millions. The number in receipt of relief is about five millions, of whom 4,200,000 are employed upon public relief works. The sum devoted to direct famine relief in 1899–1900 was £2,055,000; in 1900–1 it is estimated that £3,335,000 will be required for this purpose. If more should be needed, the Government of India will provide it.