§ MR. CHARLES PALMERasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the attention of the Government is directed to the importance of utilising the opportunity afforded by the present state of affairs in Egypt to secure, in the interest of British trade and shipping, a greater share than it has hitherto possessed in the control and management of the Suez Canal, especially as respects 863 the removal of vexatious regulations and a periodical revision of charges?
MR. GLADSTONEAt this moment I am afraid I must request the indulgence of my hon. Friend, and only convey to him the assurance that this subject is now under consideration, and that the full and careful attention of the Government is being given to it. I hope no great time will elapse before I am able to make a more definite statement.