§ 19. Sir J. Wardlaw-Milneasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, during the threat of invasion by the Japanese, the Indian Tea Association, through local planters, voluntarily supplied food and organised assistance to thousands of evacuees who came through the trackless country between Burma and Assam; that several planters risked their lives in succouring the evacuees and several met their death as a result of their labours; and what recognition or Government appreciation has been given to those who gave their services in this way?
§ Mr. AmeryI am glad of this opportunity to pay tribute to the magnificent services voluntarily and generously rendered by the Indian Tea Association and by tea-planters and others within its organisation in alleviating the hardships suffered by the refugees who came into India from Burma by land, and I am glad to say that in several cases these conspicuous services have been recognised by the conferment of an honour by His Majesty. I have already conveyed my appreciation to the Association and hope that their devoted and splendid work will be generally appreciated.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the deserved tribute he has paid to those who have saved life, will not the Minister also condemn those who have raised prices and sacrificed life?