HC Deb 19 February 1934 vol 286 cc3-4
7. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will announce the measures taken for the relief of victims of the recent earthquake in India; whether he has a full report of the casualties and of the number of people rendered homeless in the areas affected; and whether financial assistance from this country is contemplated?

8. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to restore the damage done by the earthquake in India; and what relief measures have been set in hand for the stricken population?

Sir S. HOARE

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) last Monday, it is estimated that in British India 6,582 lives have been lost and that at least five crores of rupees will be required for relief work and the repair of material damage. I have from time to time received reports on the damage done and the measures of relief undertaken, and I communicated their substance to the Press. The Government of Bihar are seeking legislative powers to make loans on easy terms to those whose buildings have been destroyed or damaged; but, as the Provincial Government are unable from their own resources to deal with the situation, the Government of India are working out, in consultation with them, a comprehensive financial scheme under which assistance will be given from central revenues. There are on the other hand certain classes of need which offer a wide scope for private charity, and the Viceroy has opened a relief fund, subscriptions to which are being received in this country by the High Commissioner for India. I am glad to say that the Lord Mayor of London has opened a fund at the Mansion House in support of the Viceroy's Fund. The International Relief Union has also contributed £1,000.

Mr. GRENFELL

Have the Government decided to show a good example by making a grant towards this fund?

Sir S. HOARE

If my hon. Friend will read the answer, he will see that I have set out the steps which the Government are taking.

Mr. GRENFELL

I understood from the answer that the Government of India are encouraging the Provincial Government to make loans, but are the central Government in this country associating themselves with the relief?

Sir S. HOARE

The central Government in this country are doing everything in their power to encourage subscriptions to the Lord Mayor's Fund and the Viceroy's Fund, and the central Government in India are doing what they can in co-operation with the local Government.

Mr. GRENFELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect that this large sum of money can be found by the means suggested?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes, Sir, I think it will be found.

Mr. HANNON

Has not my right hon. Friend received an indication that all sections in this country desire to assist in relieving this disaster in India?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes, Sir. I hope that the publicity of these questions and answers will draw attention to the Lord Mayor's Fund. We shall be very glad to receive as many subscriptions as we can.