HC Deb 07 November 1882 vol 274 c941
SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there is any truth in the reports, which have appeared in various journals, as to negotiations being carried on between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of France with regard to the re-establishment or disestablishment of the Dual Control in Egypt; and, if so, whether he will inform the House as to the nature and object of those negotiations?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Confidential communications are passing between the English and French Governments with regard to Egypt; but the declarations made by the Prime Minister on the first night of the present Sittings of the House must prevent my making any statement with regard to their nature.

SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFF

asked whether these communications related to the Dual Control?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to exercise his own intelligence on the subject. It is not usual to make statements in this House in regard to confidential communications which are passing with foreign Governments.