§ 8. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for India what is the National Debt per head of the population in India; and what is the total amount borrowed outside the country?
§ Mr. BENNOn 31st March, 1929, the interest-bearing obligations of the Government of India and the Provincial Governments are estimated to have been about Rs.610 crores in India and £354,000,000 in England. On the basis of these figures the debt per head of the population of British India is approximately, Rs.42, or say £3 3s. I may add that about 80 per cent. of this debt is covered by productive assets.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIs it correct to say that, according to these figures, India is probably, of all countries in the world, in the most fortunate financial position?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODDoes that apply to the natives in India?
Earl WINTERTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman remember that there was a scene created in this House by the use of the word "native"?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs it not the case that the workers in India are about the poorest paid workers in the world?