§ 22. Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the High Commissioner of Baghdad has reconsidered the case of men that were recruited for the railways in Mesopotamia with regard to the continued fall in the value of the rupee; whether he is aware that since their engagement the value of the rupee has fallen from 2s. 6d. to less than 1s. 4d. and, in view of the hardship imposed on these men, who have to maintain their families at home, will he have immediate inquiries made into this matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe promise to reconsider the case of these men in a few months was made by the High Commissioner as recently as the 10th of February, and I have no doubt that the undertaking will be fulfilled, though no report that the matter has been reconsidered has yet been received. I am aware of the fall in the value of the rupee since the men were engaged, and have recently asked the High Commissioner to consider the position of those employés who have to make remittances to their families.