HC Deb 26 October 1944 vol 404 c328
16. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is able to give information as to the approximate number of the boats requisitioned for security reasons in Eastern Bengal at the outset of the Japanese attack on India which have been returned to their owners; and what measures have been taken to provide for their reconditioning.

Mr. Amery

Of some 26,000 boats taken out of the area, more than one-third have been returned to owners or otherwise restored to use. I understand that repairs were made by or under the instructions of Government to a large number of the boats with help from the military. The Government of Bengal have in hand a reconstruction programme for 10,000 country boats of varying capacities for completion by the end of the year, but the whole programme is unlikely to be completed by that date. The statistics furnished to me are not altogether clear and I am asking for clarification and will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of the reply.