§ 2. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India if he can give an estimate of the loss of life and material damage in the recent earthquake in India and state how the necessary government expenditure involved will affect the White Paper financial proposals?
§ Sir S. HOAREMy latest information is that in British India 6,582 lives have been lost and that at least five crores of rupees will be required for relief work 1562 and the reparation of material damage. I am not yet in a position to say in what manner the necessary expenditure by Government will be financed, but there is no reason to anticipate that the financial proposals of the White Paper will require modification on this account.
§ Sir A. KNOXSurely this new call on the finances of the Government of India—already in a difficult position—will necessitate some delay in the introduction of the reforms?
§ Sir S. HOARENo, Sir, I see no reason why this calamity, great as it is, should make any difference.
§ Sir A. KNOXWould an earthquake in Chelsea have any effect?