§ 33. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether figures respecting deaths from starvation, malnutrition and epidemics outside of Bengal are now available.
§ Mr. AmeryI will ask the Government of India whether recorded statistics of mortality during 1943 are yet available for Provinces other than Bengal.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I understand that when the particulars are secured they will be circulated to the House?
§ Mr. AmeryThese are matters for the Provincial Governments in India. The hon. Member's Question is very wide, and gives no indication either of place or date.
Dr. Russell ThomasWould the Minister see that the figures are high enough, in order to satisfy the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen)?
§ Mr. SorensenWould it not be of some value to secure these figures?
§ Mr. AmeryYes, Sir, but all these are matters within the competence of the Governments of India. There is an element of self-government in India.
§ Mr. SorensenOn a point of Order. Is it in Order, Mr. Speaker, for the hon. Member for Southampton (Dr. Russell Thomas) to suggest that another hon. Member wishes to see a great increase in human mortality?
§ Mr. SpeakerI did not quite hear what the hon. Member for Southampton (Dr. Russell Thomas) said, but it would not be in Order for an hon. Member to make such a reflection.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I assure you, Mr. Speaker, that the imputation was quite clear, and that being so, ought not the hon. Member to withdraw it?
§ Mr. GallacherIs it not the case that if some of the doctors on the other side of the House were sent to India the figures would be much higher?