HC Deb 12 August 1867 vol 189 cc1337-8
SIR JOHN GRAY

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of Slate for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has received any Communications with respect to the alleged ill-treatment received by British Engineers employed on Railways in Egypt; and, if any steps have been taken to adjust the matters in dispute?

LORD STANLEY

, in reply, said, he had received various communications with reference to the alleged treatment of certain British subjects who were engine-drivers, not engineers, employed on railways in Egypt. It seemed these men had struck work, after notice given, in consequence of certain grievances of which they complained not having been redressed. Representations were made on their behalf by the Acting Consul General, and the Egyptian authorities had appointed a Commission to inquire into the subject. That Commission had not yet reported, and he (Lord Stanley) was awaiting the Report and Evidence. Pending the receipt of the Report of those making the inquiry, money had been advanced for the assistance of the men.