§ Mr. L. SCOTTasked the Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to provide facilities for homeward passages from India for the civil population and particularly for Civil servants whose leave is long overdue or who are obliged for reasons of health or urgent private affairs to get home before the monsoon breaks; whether he can state approximately how many first-class and second-class berths will be available in April and May; and whether anything can be done to lessen the burden to Civil servants of the present high passenger rates?
§ Mr. FISHERI would refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 12th March and 26th March in reply to questions on the same subject of the hon. and gallant Member for Melton, where it will be seen that the fares have already been substantially reduced, and that every endeavour has been made to provide as much accommodation as possible. The total number of berths that will be available in April and May will be at least 4,000. I regret I cannot inform the hon. Member how many of these will be first or second class.