§ 3. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for India if he can make any statement as to the Sind floods; the area affected; and if it is proposed to give financial aid to rehabilitate the area?
§ Mr. BENNI should like to take this further opportunity of expressing the deepest sympathy with the victims of the recent floods, which were due to a rain fall 10 times greater in the one month than is normal in the whole year, combined with the bursting of the Shyok Glacier in the Upper Indus Valley. Fortunately the loss of life was small, but heavy damage estimated at nearly 1½ million sterling was caused to property and crops. About 2,825 square miles were flooded. The local authorities acted with great promptitude and self-sacrifice. Relief from public funds may take the form of the grant of loans and remission of taxes and grants of public money. Such action is within the competency of the authorities in India. Private funds have also been opened.