HC Deb 27 July 1882 vol 272 c1973
MR. HEALY

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether any of the "convicts," whom it is stated were let loose on Alexandria after Arabi's retreat, were caught by the British and punished for burning and pillage; if so, how many; what number are supposed to have been engaged; and, if anything is known as to what has become of the remainder?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

The Foreign Office have no information as to the number or fate of the convicts released after the bombardment of Alexandria. Any Question of this nature would more properly be addressed to the Naval authorities.

MR. HEALY

said, that his Question had not been answered. It was whether any of the convicts had been caught by the British?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

A number of people were shot for looting on the first day when our sailors entered the town; but really these are questions which can only be properly answered by the Naval authorities. I do not know if any of the people shot were convicts.

MR. HEALY

intimated that he would question the Secretary to the Admiralty on the subject.

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

said, he hoped that the hon. Member would postpone it for a few days, because the detailed despatch had not yet been received.

MR. HEALY

I will put my Question this day week.