§ Major Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the possibility of a recurrence of food shortage in India in the immediate future years and to prevent any sudden strain being thrown on shipping resources, the Government of India has asked neighbouring countries and Colonies within and without the British Commonwealth to co-operate in growing suitable foodstuffs at guaranteed prices, for the purchase of which it will be responsible, so as to admit of stocks being gradually built up and stored in India to meet all reasonable eventualities; and whether, if extra temporary labour is required, the Government of India is prepared to find it?
§ Mr. AmeryThe nearest territories providing the normal food reserves of India are in enemy occupation and most of the other countries in the Indian Ocean area are affected at least as much as India by less of these potential imports. I doubt therefore whether there is any reasonable1162W prospect of effecting such an arrangement as the Question contemplates.