§ MR. MUNTZasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If, in view of the complications which may arise from the war between Russia and Turkey, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to take such steps, in concert with the other great Powers, as would secure the neutralization of the Suez Canal?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIf by the expression "neutralization" is meant an arrangement which would prevent, in time of war, the ships of war of any nation from passing through the Canal, that would be an arrangement which would prevent Her Majesty's Government from making use of the Canal for the purpose of sending the ordinary reliefs to and from India, and to such an arrangement Her Majesty's Govern- 260 ment was not disposed to lend any aid. But Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to take steps for the protection of the navigation of the Canal.