§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he will make a further statement respecting famine 1078W conditions in India; how much rice and grain has been imported; whether the Government of India, in conjunction with Provincial Governments or governors, will take over all existing basic food stocks; whether a proportion of Army Reserve foodstuffs have been released; and, approximately, the present death rate through hunger in the affected areas?
§ Mr. AmeryI would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on Tuesday last. It is not practicable in Indian conditions to requisition all stocks of foodgrains. Some stocks have already been released from Army reserves. Reliable statistics of mortality are not available, but I understand that the deaths in Bengal are estimated at about 1,000 a week including Calcutta but may be higher.
§ Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the serious conditions approaching famine in Bengal and other parts of India, he will suggest to the Government of India the appointment of officials experienced in famine administration, with power to take the steps necessary in the interests of the population?
§ Mr. AmeryIn the districts in Bengal affected by scarcity verging on famine the district officers have been directed by the Governor to put aside other duties and use all their energies in dealing with these distressing conditions. Every district officer has at his disposal, besides his own local knowledge, the special experience embodied in the Famine Code and I have no doubt that the services of any available officials with special experience are being utilised.
§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for India the measures that have already been taken to deal with the famine situation in Bengal; and whether he can give an assurance that adequate supplies of food are now reaching India?