§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether any substantial evidence has been communicated to him in corroboration of the anonymous assertion contained in the indictment against the Khedive of Egypt by the noble Lord the Member for Woodstock, or in any shape sufficient cause has been shown for a serious inquiry into this charge against the Prince whom we maintain in Egypt; or, if not, whether he will announce that no such charge is entertained by Her Majesty's Government?
MR. GLADSTONEIn reply to the hon. Member I may say, at any rate, as much as this—that nothing has been made known to us in corroboration, down to the present time, of these statements without name to which my hon. Friend refers. Nothing has occurred which at all tends to shake the confidence which our experience of the character of the Khedive, for some considerable time under very trying circumstances, has led us to repose in him. I have no further remark to make in regard to the Question.
§ MR. O'DONNELLasked whether the guarantee of safety asked for had yet been given to the witnesses who had offered to come forward and give evidence on the subject?
MR. GLADSTONEI am not able to give—and I do net propose to give—any further answer at the present moment.