§ 132. Mr. Longdenasked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he is aware of the continuance and serious nature of the food shortage in India; if he will say what the general situation is likely to be during the coming months; and what the Government propose to do in the matter.
§ Mr. A. HendersonYes, Sir. The Government of India keep my noble Friend closely informed regarding the food situation in India. The Central, Provincial and State Governments in India must be congratulated on the success which they have had hitherto in maintain- 135W ing the distribution of cereals to deficit areas in spite of great difficulties of supply and internal transport. But the position during the next two or three months will be particularly critical especially in Southern India. The Government of India are doing everything they can to increase shipments of foodgrains to India from abroad from every possible source and His Majesty's Government will continue to assist the Government of India actively in their efforts to this end. A statement showing the quantities of food-grains shipped to India and the arrivals of foodgrains in India up to the end of September was placed in the Library of the House last week.