§ 20. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the agricultural population of the United Provinces is showing satisfactory resistance to the conditions of distress following upon bad seasons; whether mortality has risen in human beings and in stock; whether crime has increased, wandering begun, or the condition of the people deteriorated; how many are upon test, how many upon relief, works; whether advances are being made by the Government; and what are the prospects in general?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSThe most recent reports show that the people are showing good powers of resistance. No increase of mortality among human beings is reported, and no serious epidemics have occurred. Among cattle some unavoidable increase of mortality has occurred. Crime 1753 is normal in most districts. Little wandering or emaciation is noticed. The number on relief works is 64,000, including some hundreds on test works; on gratuitous relief 82,000. Advances are being made by the Government. The chief difficulty is the scarcity of fodder, but the rain that has recently fallen throughout the distressed area has improved the outlook in this respect.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the condition of the people on relief good?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSYes, Sir.
§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONCan the hon. Gentleman give any information about the work done in reference to the famine districts by the private charitable Indian organisations?