§ MR. BOURKEI wish to ask the Prime Minister a Question on one subject connected with the affairs of Egypt which does not brook delay—that is, the position of Arabi Pasha. I hope that Her Majesty's Government will see their way to give the House an opportunity of discussing the question why it was that Arabi Pasha was surrendered; also what are to be the charges brought against him; and, further, what justification there is, from an international point of view, for Her Majesty's Government demanding from the Government of the Khedive that British officers should be present at the trial?
MR. GLADSTONEI agree with the right hon. Gentleman in thinking that that is an important subject. It was certainly included in the general answer which I gave a few days ago to the right hon. Baronet opposite. I think I am correct in saying that there was no demand from Her Majesty's Government that British officers should attend the trial; and, unless my memory deceives me, it was a spontaneous offer on the part of the Egyptian Government, for which they ought to have the credit.