§ 18. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Secretary of State for India if he will give figures showing the number of men, women and children who have died from starvation and resulting diseases in India since the commencement of the recent famine.
§ Mr. AmeryNo reliable figures are yet available of the number of deaths in India from starvation and resulting diseases. For the nearest estimate which can be given I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 20th January.
§ Mr. DaviesWhen does the right hon. Gentleman think he will be able to inform the House as to the deaths that have taken place, in view of the fact that the interest felt in this country in relation to the terrible famine is very great indeed?
§ Mr. AmeryThis information has, in the first instance, to be collected by the Provincial Governments, whose machinery of collecting such information perhaps is not as effective as it might be; and then it has to be communicated to the Central Government of India before it can reach me. I hope to get information, and reliable information, as soon as possible.