§ Mr. H. JONESasked the Secretary of State for India. whether his attention has been called to the claims of Flying-officer W. H. B. Handsford, and the late Flying-officer Robert Pughe, for detention allowance while they were on special duty at Karachi superintending the construction of the aerodrome; whether it has been decided that the claims are not admissible under India Army Rules, 232W notwithstanding the fact that Major-General F. J. Fowler, Commanding Karachi Brigade, in a letter dated 20th April, 1920, stated that the action taken was, in his opinion, the one most suitable; and whether he will give further consideration to the claims with a view of recommending them for exceptional treatment?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe claims of Flying-officers Hansford and Pughe to detention allowance were recommended by the Brigade Commander at Karachi, but the Air Officer Commanding in India held that the circumstances of the detention of these officers were not in any way so exceptional as to warrant the admission of their claims, and the Government of India, who have been consulted, support his view. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to intervene.