§ 27. Captain W. BENNasked the Under secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay Papers containing the Reports of the investigation undertaken by the High Commissioner in Egypt as to the causes of the recent outbreak?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe investigation is not yet completed. The results of it will be submitted in the first instance to the Special Mission, which is proceeding to Egypt in the autumn and which, though its main object is to make recommendations for the constitutional future of Egypt, will also deal in its Report with the causes of the recent outbreak.
§ Captain BENNWill the hon. Member say what means this House possesses of securing information about the state of affairs in Egypt?
Mr. HARMSWORTHPerhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question indicating how the House may be better informed.
§ Captain BENNWhat other means does this House possess except asking him to lay Papers dealing with the subject?
Mr. HARMSWORTHMy hon. and gallant Friend will not fail to observe that these Papers have not been prepared for publication because they are to be used by the Commission.
§ Captain ORMSBY-GORECan he give the House any further information with regard to the composition of the Commission?
§ Major Earl WINTERTONCan he give us any date by which we shall know how the Commission will be composed; would the middle of 1920 be too far off?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe composition of the Commission will be announced as quickly as possible, and I hope very shortly.
§ Captain BENNAre there any means of finding out the result of the inquiries made by General Allenby?
Mr. HARMSWORTHNo, I do not think so. These inquiries are being prosecuted because the Commission is going to Egypt, and are to be ready for the Commission when it gets there.
§ Captain BENNWhat means has this House of discovering what were the causes of unrest earlier in the year?