§ MR. LAYARDsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has received any proposal from the Egyptian Government on the subject of a modification of the Capitulations, and the introduction of improved Law Courts in Egypt, to which all foreigners shall be amenable; whether such proposal, if made, has been entertained; and, whether he will lay upon the Table of the House, Copies of a Despatch on this subject addressed to Her Majesty's Consul General in Egypt in the month of October of last year; of a Note on the same subject communicated by the Egyptian Government to the European Powers; and of any other Correspondence relating to the Capitulations and Consular jurisdiction in Egypt? He wished also to know whether the Papers could be produced at an early period, the matter being of such importance 1560 that he thought it called for discussion in the House?
LORD STANLEYsaid, in reply, that a proposal similar to that referred to by the hon. Member had been received, and that it had and was engaging the most serious consideration of the Government, who were consulting the Law Officers upon the subject. The question was also receiving the attention of the other Great Powers of Europe. He need not say that the subject was one of very great difficulty and perplexity, and that it would take some time to decide. He should be happy to produce a copy of the despatch which he addressed to the British Consul General in Egypt in October last containing the views of Her Majesty's Government upon the subject. He apprehended that there would be no difficulty in laying the Note of the Egyptian Government also upon the table; but he thought it better to wait as regards the production of the rest of the Correspondence, until it was completed.