§ MR. BOURKEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he will now give a day for the discussion of a Motion condemning the conduct of the Government for the surrender of Arabi Pasha; and, whether he has any statement to make with respect to the trial of Arabi Pasha?
MR. GLADSTONEWith regard to the first part of this Question, I have to say that all the material circumstances of the case stand in the same position as that in which they stood at the time when I gave an answer to a previous Question on this subject. The reasons of public interest which prevented us from affording any facilities for the discussion, and which might preclude us from taking part—or, at least, any effectual part—in such a discussion, if raised, still subsist in their full force. Therefore, I have nothing to add to, or to take away from, the answer which I then gave. With regard to the second part of the Question, I have to say that there are several particulars connected with the proceeding in question which I am able to state with accuracy to the right hon. Gentleman and the House. The latest Report from Sir Charles Wilson, who is 405 watching the trial on behalf of the Government, is dated the 12th instant. It appears from this Report that the preliminary inquiry into the cases under investigation was closed on the 6th current, and that on the 12th current the Commission issued notices to the counsel for the prosecution and for the defence laying down the course of procedure to be followed, and fixing November 25 as the day on which the second part of the inquiry should commence in the case of those trials in which the first inquiry had been closed, and sufficient ground shown for the committal of the prisoners. Thirty days will be allowed for the hearing of the evidence in the second portion of the inquiry, which will thus close on December 25, our Christmas Day. The Government have not yet heard whether the second part of the inquiry was actually opened on the 25th instant, nor what prisoners have been committed for trial; but they believe that the inquiry was not opened on the 25th.
§ MR. BOURKEIs the inquiry to be closed on a certain specified day, no matter whether all the evidence has been heard or not?
MR. GLADSTONEA specific day has been fixed on which the second inquiry is expected to close. I may, perhaps, be able to give a more definite answer hereafter.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLWhat is the meaning of the statement that Sir Charles Wilson was watching the case on behalf of the English Government? Is he empowered to examine and cross-examine witnesses?
MR. GLADSTONEI believe that my expression that Sir Charles Wilson was watching the case was an accurate expression. It is an expression of familiar use in connection with public trials. He has no power of interference in the trial; but he will know all that takes place.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONThe right hon. Gentleman says that the question is in a similar position to that in which it formerly stood. There is, then, I suppose, no intention of abandoning the trial altogether, as has been stated in the newspapers?
MR. GLADSTONEI am not in a position to give any information upon that subject; but we have not received any announcement that such a step is contemplated.
§ MR. MOLLOYWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House any general information about Egyptian affairs this Session?
MR. GLADSTONEIt is impossible to answer that Question in a manner which would be satisfactory to the hon. Member, because we do not know when the Session will close. All I can say is that all information which can be communicated to the House, without injury to the Public Service, we shall be very desirous to make known to the House at the earliest opportunity.
§ MR. MOLLOYMy Question had reference to information already received.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREpointed out that there were two sets of rules of procedure agreed to by the Commission of Inquiry, and that under one set it was laid down that the defence was to be perfectly froe to examine witnesses deemed expedient, the President having a right to declare the inquiry closed if the desire of the counsel to prolong uselessly the case was manifest; while under the other set of rules the whole case for the defence must, under all circumstances, be completed by the 25th of December. He wished to know whether that last regulation of the Commission of Inquiry coincided with the agreement that was come to between the Egyptian Government and counsel?
MR. GLADSTONEIn order that I may be quite safe in answering this Question, I shall be glad if the hon. Member will give me Notice of his intention to put it on a future day.