asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make a further statement on the present situation in Burma?

I am circulating a statement covering the events of last week.

Has the situation improved?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to read the statement. On the whole, the situation is better.

Following is the statement:

In the Thayetmyo District several new posts have been established and the harrying of the remaining gangs has proceeded satisfactorily. Elsewhere the same measures have been continued and special steps are being taken to deal with reported concentrations on the Insein-Pegu and Tharrawaddy-Prome Borders. No Government casualties have been reported during the week. There has been a lull in surrenders. Ninety-one persons have been released and number remaining in custody is 945. Orders have been passed by the Special Judges in the Zaingthwe and Dodan cases in which 13 and eight rebels have been convicted. Apart from the Prome and Henzada Districts, where Dacoities are numerous, the position as regards serious crime shows some improvement.

The Bill to replace Rebellion Trials Ordinance, rejected by the Legislative Council, was recommended by the Governor and passed with two amendments.

The price of Paddy remains much the same. It is hoped that most of the damage done by floods in Lower Burma can be repaired and loans to assist replanting are being issued. The rain in the dry zone has had an appreciably good effect, but the numbers on relief works have increased.