HC Deb 21 June 1926 vol 197 cc5-6
8. Colonel DAY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of deaths that occurred in the Punjab during the recent plague; and what measures of relief were afforded by the Government?

Lord STANLE

The number of deaths between 1st March and 15th May was about 54,000. My Noble Friend has received no report of the steps taken by Government in relation to the present outbreak, but he has no doubt that recourse has been had as usual to vigorous measures of inoculation and disinfection.

Colonel DAY

Will the Noble Lord inquire, whether the Government of India are taking steps to destroy the rats, which are responsible for this plague?

Sir HENRY CRAIK

Are we to have a constant repetition of the infringement of the rule, which has been laid down so often, that the Government of India must be allowed to do its own duty?

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

Are these the deaths of Europeans or natives?

Lord STANLE

I think that they are all natives.

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