§ SIR JULIAN GOLDSMIDwished to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with regard to Egypt, Whether it is true that a joint Note has been addressed to the Khedive on the recent affairs of Egypt; if so, whether any information can be given to the House with regard to the contents; and, also, whether it is true that instructions have been sent to Mr. Rivers Wilson to return; and, if so, at what date those instructions were sent?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThere has been no joint Note addressed to the Khedive on the part of Franco and England; but both Governments have felt it necessary to express to the Khedive their opinions as to his recent conduct. I do not suppose the letter has yet been received, and, therefore, while communications are going on, the Papers cannot be produced. With regard to the second Question, I, some little time ago—I cannot remember the exact date—telegraphed to Mr. Rivers Wilson that, in the altered circumstances of the case, it was desirable that he should return to his post at the National Debt Office, and I have little doubt that he is now on his way to this country.
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONWith reference to the answer just given, I beg to ask the hon. Gentleman the Under Secretary of State for Foreign 1247 Affairs, Whether it is intended shortly to lay any further Papers in reference to Egypt before Parliament? The voluminous Blue Book lately laid on the Table does not come down later than about three months back. Several despatches have informally found their way into the newspapers; and I should like to know whether we may expect shortly to have further despatches placed on the Table, bringing the narrative of events down to a more recent date than the Papers already in our possession?
§ MR. BOURKEOh, yes, Sir; it is decidedly the intention of Her Majesty's Government to lay them on the Table; but I should have thought that the answer just given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer would have shown that, while negotiations are going on, it is impossible to produce the Papers on the subject. If the noble Lord will give me Notice of any specific Question, I shall be happy to answer to-morrow.