HC Deb 21 October 1943 vol 392 cc1494-5
23. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for India what information he has respecting the cholera in Malabar and in other parts of India; whether there is a shortage of drugs and medical supplies for civilian use in India; and what information he has received from the Central Government respecting the spread of disease, assistance needed in combating this, and the approximate deaths to date due to famine?

Mr. Amery

There have been reports of cholera in various parts of India. I have not so far had any indication of any widespread outbreak or of any special difficulty experienced by the Provincial Governments concerned in dealing with the outbreaks of this or any other disease. I have not had recently any report of shortage of drugs or medical supplies for civilian use nor any special report from the Central Government respecting the spreading of disease nor any request from them for assistance in this connection.

As regards deaths due to famine, the Government of India report that figures are as yet incomplete and unreliable, especially in respect of the districts, and I am afraid it must be some time before the loss of life can be even approximately stated. It may afford some guide that in Calcutta mortality is reported as about twice the normal for the time of year and that between mid-August and mid-October about 2,000 persons suffering from malnutrition have died in Calcutta hospitals. I have asked for periodical reports from the Government of India.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries at once as to the possible spread of this disease and also inquire of the Central Government whether medical supplies are required at the present time to supplement whatever supplies they have?

Mr. Amery

My answer made it clear that the information I have is that there is no shortage of medical supplies and there is no widespread outbreak of disease, but I will certainly continue to inquire.

Mr. Bowles

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the Press report this morning that the people of India prefer the quicker death from cholera than the long-drawn-out death from starvation?