§ 11. Mr. SWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Coptic population of Egypt abandoned the Easter feast this year as a protest against Zaghloul Pasha's deportation; and whether, in view of this manifestation of feeling in Egypt, Zaghloul Pasha's repatriation will be reconsidered?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise.
§ 12. Mr. SWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government, in view of the grave reports concerning Zaghloul Pasha's health, will consider the advisability of his immediate repatriation to his country, which is best suited to his health?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have no information of a nature to justify the reports that Zaghloul Pasha's health is suffering, nor have I seen the report.
§ 13. Mr. SWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now ascertained that Zaghloul Pasha and his colleagues deported with him handed to the officer who was in charge of them at Aden, on the 7th February last, a written complaint signed by all of them to the effect that they were all at the time invalids, some suffering from diabetes, Bright's disease, and other complaints, and some from illnesses contracted since their arrest, and pointing out that to reside in a hot climate was dangerous to their lives, and asking to be sent quickly to a place less hot and damp than the Seychelles, where also there were no specialists and necessary medical and surgical requirements; whether the officer communicated this written com- 1321 plaint to the proper authorities as he promised them to do; and, if so, what is the decision arrived at?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe complaint mentioned by the hon. Member in the first part of the question has not yet been received, but I understand that a report on the subject has been asked for.
§ Mr. SWANIs the Noble Lord aware that I asked the Foreign Office about this matter five weeks ago, and was informed that there had been no complaint? Are there any details in regard to the complaint as to the health of Zaghloul Pasha and his colleagues?
§ Earl WINTERTONThat is what I endeavoured to the best of my ability to answer. I said that the complaint mentioned by the hon. Member had not yet been received, but a report on the subject had been asked for.
§ Mr. SWANThat was five weeks ago, and there has been abundance of time. In the light of the widespread apprehension that these men will die there, will there be speedy inquiry into the matter and action taken?
§ Earl WINTERTONI will ask the Foreign Office to endeavour to expedite their inquiries and give the hon. Member information, but I think he is under a misapprehension.