§ MR. NORWOODasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he can assure the House that, in the steps about to be taken for the protection of the Suez Canal, there is no intention to interfere with its existing administration, nor to deprive the Canal of its position as a purely commercial undertaking?
MR. GLADSTONEIn answer to the Question of my hon. Friend, I can as- 1823 sure the House that in the steps now contemplated for the protection of the Suez Canal, the only object in view is the defence and security of the Canal and the freedom of passage through it; and there is no question raised with respect to the administration of the Canal, its position as a commercial undertaking, or its international character.