HC Deb 12 March 1919 vol 113 c1250
4. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the technical use of the word famine in the Indian relief codes, though well understood in India, is misunderstood in the United Kingdom; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of discontinuing the use of the word in Parliamentary proceedings as an equivalent for the point at which prevention of famine is reached?

Mr. FISHER

I am afraid that only misunderstanding would arise from using one phrase in India and another in this country to describe the same thing.