§ MR. LABOUCHEREasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has obtained any further information in regard to the alleged cruelties committed on prisoners, by the Egyptian Government, at Zagazig; and, whether he will take steps to prevent such cruelties being committed, or arbitrary arrests being ordered by that Government, so long as it is maintained by the presence of British Troops in Egypt?
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKENo information has been received with regard to the allegeged cruelties on prisoners at Zagazig; but Lord Dufferin has directed a British officer to proceed on a tour of inspection of the provincial towns. This officer will examine their state, ascertain the number of prisoners confined for political offences, and report upon their treatment. The Egyptian Government has also appointed a Sub-Commission to sit at Cairo, to examine the cases of the prisoners in the provincial gaols. 17 The functions of this Commission will be to sift documentary evidence, and allow prisoners accused of light offences to be released on bail. A British officer will be present at the sittings of the Commission.