HC Deb 20 May 1909 vol 5 cc557-8
Mr. HART-DAVIES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the attention of the Government has been called to the high price of foodstuffs now prevailing in India; whether this is attributed to the Government's currency policy and excessive coinage of rupees; and what steps the Government proposes to take in the matter?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. C. Hobhouse, in the absence of Mr. Buchanan)

The Secretary of State is aware that the matter has attracted attention in India, and is in communication with the Government of India on the subject. But he cannot at present make any definite statement as to the conclusions at which he may arrive.

Captain CRAIG

Is it not the fact that foodstuffs are high in this country owing to the policy of the Government?