§ MR. MOLLOYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he is in a position to give an assurance to the House that no appointment of any British subject to any office or duty connected with the control or administration of the finances of Egypt, or its debt, will be made or sanctioned by the Government without the previous communication of the name of such person to this House, and without an opportunity being given to the House of expressing its opinion upon the necessity and fitness of such appointment?
MR. GLADSTONEI am sorry to say that I cannot give this assurance. We are very desirous that in the new arrangements the amount of foreign control in carrying on the Government of Egypt shall not be more than the real necessity requires; but we cannot possibly undertake to submit to the House every part of our arrangements.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the right hon. Gentleman, whether any bondholders or others connected with the money-lending transactions in Egypt would be appointed as representatives of this country under the present arrangement?
MR. GLADSTONE, in reply, said, that as regarded the bondholders their rights rested upon the shadow of international engagements. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would be good enough to give Notice of his Question.