§ MR. BOURKEwished to ask a Question arising out of the Question which had been put by the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Labouchere). The Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had said that the Government had nothing to do with the trial of Arabi Pasha. He would ask whether some representation would not be made to the authorities in Egypt to the effect that the Press ought to be admitted to the proceedings at the trial? Otherwise the public would be kept entirely in the dark as to what took place.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEsaid, he would repeat that Her Majesty's Government had no reason to suppose that the Press would be excluded. There was nothing to that effect in the rules which had been laid down, and which had been sent to the Foreign Office. With regard to making representations on the subject, without having reason to suppose the Press would be excluded, the right hon. Gentleman had better give Notice of his Question.
§ MR. BOURKEsaid, that surely on a subject of that kind it was very easy to telegraph to Egypt. Considering that the House knew from the hon. Baronet that the Government had interfered already a good deal, it was surely fair they should be informed of the proceedings at the trial.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEI have already said that if the right hon. Gentleman would give us a short time we will consider this matter. If he will give Notice for Thursday, I would be prepared to answer. I must point out the enormous difficulty that there would be in trying to conduct the government of Egypt from this country by telegraph.