HC Deb 09 December 1946 vol 431 cc759-60
77. Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the approximate number of persons in India who are rationed for grain; and what those rations are.

The Under-Secretary of State for India (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

More than 150,000,000 people in India are now subject to various schemes of cereals rationing. The basic daily cereals ration for adults in India is 12 ounces. There have, however, been cases recently of inability on the part of some Provincial and State authorities to provide the cereals ration in full.

Mr. Nicholson

Can the Under-Secretary assure the House that both the Indian Government and the Government in this country are fully aware, not only of the gravity of the situation, but of its future menacing nature, and that the case of India will not be allowed to go by default in international food circles?

Mr. Henderson

If the hon. Member had read the statement I made last week, he would have seen that that assurance was forthcoming.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Can the Under-Secretary say how far this rationing will go towards preventing famine in India?

Mr. Henderson

The object of this rationing is to avoid it.

Mr. Hughes

I said "how far."

Mr. Henderson

I could not say without notice.

78. Mr. Nicholson

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he can say anything about the prospects of the coming harvest.

Mr. A. Henderson

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement circulated to the House of this subject on 2nd December, in reply to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Sir S. Reed), to which I have nothing to add at present.

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