§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to a paragraph in the "Standard" of 13th August, in the following words:—"
§ "Cairo, Sunday Night.
§ "Another instance of official incompetence is supplied by the fact that five men and women are still detained in prison at Suez in connection with the murder of Professor Palmer, although the whole matter was reported to have been officially disposed of at the recent trial, and in spite of the repeated representations that have been made as to the futility of retaining them;"
§ and, whether such statement is correct; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government will take steps to obtain the liberation of these persons?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, the persons in prison at Suez are the family of Hassan Abu Mershid, who, as stated in the Correspondence laid before Parliament, was one of the principals in the murder of Professor Palmer and his party. They are detained as hostages. Her Majesty's Government are in communication with Sir Edward Malet on the subject.
§ MR. O'KELLYWould the noble Lord state whether, in this case of so- 719 called murder Professor Palmer was not acting the part of a spy?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThat Question has no reference at all to the Question on the Paper.
§ MR. O'KELLYI give Notice that I shall ask the Question on Monday.