HC Deb 05 December 1932 vol 272 c1213
4. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have made any investigation or prepared any estimate of the numbers of unemployed in India and of persons suffering from insufficient food, clothing, and shelter?

Mr. BUTLER

So far as I am aware no such estimate has been made.

Mr. GRENFELL

Has the hon. Gentleman seen a report issued by an eminent Indian publicist declaring that 40,000,000 people in India are suffering great privation and living in a state of chronic poverty?

Mr. BUTLER

I am always glad to investigate any such report.

Mr. THORNE

Is it not a fact that millions of people in India have always been starving?