§ MR. GOURLEYasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If the proposals of the Government relative to the neutralization of the Suez Canal are likely to be accepted by the European Powers and the proprietors of the property; and, whether, if the proposals are ratified, negotiations are to be opened with the Porte for the purpose of purchasing the suzerain rights of the Sultan on lines similar to those agreed to with Denmark for the abolition of her pecuniary rights in the navigation of the Straits of Elsinore?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, the answers as far as they have been received are, in general terms, each of a favourable character. The Sultan has no direct pecuniary interest in the navigation of the Suez Canal.