§ 10. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for Common wealth Relations what steps he has taken to approach the Government of India to know whether there is any way in which this country can help to relieve the impending famine in the Eastern Provinces; and if so what reply he has received.
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerWhen the likelihood of an Indian food shortage became apparent in November last year, we were able to arrange the diversion to India of 43,000 tons of Australian wheat which would otherwise have come to this country. A subsequent deterioration in our own position compelled us reluctantly to refuse India's request for a further loan in December. Since then no further request has been received from the Government of India, who will be aware of our difficulties.