§ MR. BOURKEsaid, he wished to ask the Government a Question with regard to the arrangements for the settlement of Egyptian Finance. Information had reached him to the effect that the Agreement was to be signed to-morrow, and he would be glad to know if that was the case; and, if so, whether Papers would immediately be laid on the Table upon the subject?
MR. GLADSTONEI think I can give an answer to that at once. I dislike to repeat the answer I have already made, but it does appear to me to be very near its close; at any rate, I can give the House this satisfaction, that the Papers are now in the course of preparation with all possible rapidity. They are delayed by nothing except the necessity, with which the right hon. Gentleman is familiar, of communicating with Foreign Ministers as to certain reports of their conversations contained in them. These Papers are in the course of preparation with all the rapidity that the Foreign Office by its exertions can possibly command, and will be laid on the Table without delay, I think I may say, whatever happens.