HC Deb 18 March 1946 vol 420 cc1501-2
7. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Undersecretary of State for India the total quantity and nature of extra food supplies that have reached, and have been despatched to, India to meet the present food crisis.

Mr. A. Henderson

Actual arrivals of wheat in India between 30th December, 1945, and 2nd March this year amounted to over 240,000 tons, and it is anticipated that about 250,000 tons of wheat will arrive in India between 3rd March and 30th April on the basis of shipments which have taken place, or are taking place, from North America and Australia during January, February and March. In addition, 75,000 tons of rice from Burma arrived in India during December and January. Further supplies are dependent on the deliberations of the Combined Food Board in Washington which are expected to be made known shortly. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Food, and the Indian Food Delegation are making every possible effort in Washington to secure that the maximum quantity of cereals is allocated to India to meet the present food crisis.

Mr. Sorenen

Can we take it that, in view of the figures given, his anticipated, with greater optimism than previously, that we shall go a long way towards meeting the very grave deficit in food grains in India?

Mr. Henderson

I am not in a position to anticipate the decision of the Combined Food Board.

Mr. Hector Hughes

As the information with regard to the food supply in India has not been very satisfactory lately, will the hon. Gentleman see that the widest publicity is given to the quantities, location and distribution of food in India, so that the utmost use may be made of such food as is available to the people of India?

Mr. Henderson

I will certainly look into that suggestion.