§ 31. Dr. Littleasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the need for missionaries in India at the moment, he will respond to the appeals of the missionary societies and arrange for passages, not only for the return of missionaries now at home, but also for sending out new missionaries to India.
§ Mr. AmeryI am aware of the difficulties experienced by the missionary societies in regard to passages to India, and I am consulting the Viceroy to see whether the situation can be alleviated in any way once the present special restrictions on overseas travel are relaxed. The difficulty is the scarcity of passages for all needs and I fear there can be no marked improvement until the shipping position becomes easier.
§ Dr. LittleIs my right hon. Friend aware of the number of missionaries who are waiting to return and of others who are waiting to go out, and would not their presence be very helpful to us in India at the moment if the necessary arrangements could be made?
§ Mr. Quintin HoggDoes my right hon. Friend agree that there are other people, including officers' wives, who are also waiting to go out?