HC Deb 04 November 1943 vol 393 cc844-5
25. Sir Stanley Reed

asked the Secretary of State for India the amount of capital standing to the credit of the Relief Fund started with a donation from the Maharajah of Jaipur after the famine of 1899–1900; the annual income from investments; and the extent to which the fund has been used for the relief of distress in Bengal?

Mr. Amery

The reference is presumably to the Indian People's Famine Trust set up in 1900. This is a rupee fund administered in India, and I shall have to ask the Government of India for the information desired by my hon. Friend.

Sir S. Reed

Will my right hon. Friend advise the Government of India not to hesitate to draw freely on this fund for relief of distress, although it is not a money famine but a food famine at the present time?

Mr. Amery

I am sure they will consider that.