§ 13. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the reasons for the revolt in Burma; what are the causes of its rapid spread to all parts of the country; and whether this is a national movement or due to economic causes?
§ Mr. BENNRisings have occurred only in five contiguous districts in Lower Burma. Their origin is ascribed to political movements which have found favourable ground for growth in the severe and general economic depression due to the fall in the price of rice and paddy.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the trend of this movement now is to direct it against Indian and British officers, and can he give some information about the matter?
§ Mr. BENNI have not had an official account of the incident reported in this morning's papers, but I hope to receive it shortly. I shall get the fullest information as to the tread of the movement and shall publish it for the information of the House.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKWhy use the words "only five." Does the right hon. Gentleman think that five is a great number?
§ Mr. BENNThe words "only five" really deal with that part of the question which suggested that it was in all parts of the country.