HC Deb 01 March 1905 vol 142 cc7-8
MR. DAVID MORGAN (Essex, Walthamstow)

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that damage has been done to the growing crops in the Punjaub by frost, and of the danger of famine in that district in May and June, he will say what precautions are being taken to meet distress.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) I am aware that unusual cold weather has prevailed this year in Northern India, and that serious damage from frost has been sustained by the crops, especially in the united provinces of Agra and Oudh. In the Punjaub the injury is probably less, as the crops there are later. The Viceroy, with whom I have been in communication, informs me that there is no cause for anxiety. Should any distress unhappily arise in any local area, the local governments are fully prepared to deal with it in accordance with the provisions of the Famine Codes.