Oral Answers to Questions — Naval and Military Pensions and Grants. – in the House of Commons am ar 11 Gorffennaf 1922.
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the last report was received from the Seychelles as to the state of health of H. E. Zaghloul Pasha; whether he is aware that relatives have failed to obtain any information since 21st June, and, in view of his state of health, are greatly alarmed; and whether he will advise those responsible to allow regular cable communications to pass between these relatives and friends and Zaghloul Pasha, as cables received in England show that great anxiety prevails?
Mr. HARMSWORTH:
The last report received respecting the health of Zaghloul Pasha is dated 3rd July, and states that early in June he suffered from slight bronchitis and asthma, which have now abated. There is, however, some cardiac weakness and his general condition is not wholly satisfactory. Correspondence to and from the Egyptian deportees in the Seychelles is transmitted through the intermediary of Lord Allenby, and I am not aware whether it has been found necessary to stop or censor any of it. A report on this point is being called for.
Captain Robert Gee
, Woolwich East
Are not the questions referring to this gentleman so frequently put entirely due to the fact that he owns five thousand odd shares in the "Daily Herald"?
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
On a point of Order. After asking that question, I waited on what I presumed was to be a supplementary question, instead of a lying insult.
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
Those are not words to be allowed in this House.
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
If the hon. Member challenges the correctness of what was said, he can challenge it in proper terms, without using the words he did use. He can deny the allegation made.
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
I respectfully ask your advice, Mr. Speaker, because—
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
Can you advise me, Mr. Speaker, as to the way in which I can deal with this kind of innuendo?
Mr George Bowyer
, Buckingham
Is it true?
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
It is not true.
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
The hon. Member must first withdraw the words he used. He is then entitled to give his denial to the suggestion of the supplementary question.
Mr John Mills
, Dartford
In order to conform to Parliamentary procedure, I will withdraw those words, and substitute for them "inaccurate innuendo."
Mr John Whitley
, Halifax
The hon. Member is quite entitled to do that.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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