HC Deb 11 February 1943 vol 386 cc1432-3
31. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, instead of shipping wheat to India to relieve the famine conditions there, he will initiate discussions with the Government of the Union of South Africa for the purchase and transport of maize?

Mr. Amery

I would remind the hon. Member that I have already explained that conditions in India are not famine conditions. The immediate request of the Government of India is for wheat, and I have no reason to think that maize would be an acceptable substitute.

Sir S. Reed

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that maize is not an ordinary article of diet in Western India, where the kharif crop is poor; and that much of the maize shipped from the United States by generous Americans during the famine of 1899–1900 could not be used for human consumption?