§ Captain Gammansasked the Secretary of State for India, what steps he has taken to make known to the United States of America and other parts of the world that the responsibility for dealing with the famine in Bengal rests upon the Bengal Government and not upon the Secretary of State; and that that Government is a constitutional body elected under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935?
§ Mr. AmeryI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement I made to-day at the end of Questions, in which I endeavoured to define the functions and responsibilities of the several authorities on this matter. The information will doubtless be reproduced in the Press, both in this country and elsewhere.
§ Captain Gammansasked the Secretary of State for India to what extent the famine in Bengal is due to loss of rice supplies from Burma; and to what extent hoarding and profiteering are responsible?
§ Mr. AmeryBoth are contributory causes and there are many others besides. I cannot evaluate the precise degree to which each is to be held responsible.
§ Mr. Mackasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the recent communication addressed to him from the mayor and corporation of Calcutta concerning the grave famine situation; whether the communication contains any specific requests or demands; and what action is proposed to be taken in regard to it?
§ Mr. AmeryYes, Sir. The telegram contained a request for imports of food grains. With regard to the latter part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made to-day at the end of Questions.