HC Deb 11 June 1883 vol 280 cc197-8
MR. LABOUCHERE

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has received a Letter, signed by the Egyptian exiles in Ceylon, regarding their view of the engagements entered into between Her Majesty's Government and them on the occasion of their pleading guilty to the charge of rebellion against the Egyptian Government, together with a copy of a Letter on the same subject from Mr. Mark Napier, also a Letter from Toulba Pacha in regard to a change in his place of exile; whether he will lay these Papers upon the Table of the House; and, whether any steps are being taken to secure to the exiles the minimum allowance which the Governor of Ceylon has stated is requisite for them, viz. £50 per month to each family?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Yes, Sir; these Papers will be laid upon the Table. It is under consideration, in distributing the additional £500 recently awarded to the prisoners, to distinguish the different eases so far as possible, and to assist those most in need. Her Majesty's Government are in communication with Sir Edward Malet and the Governor of Ceylon in the matter.

MR. LABOUCHERE

asked whether the houses free of rent which these exiles now occupied would be taken from them?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

That is a further question which will be taken into consideration in connection with what I have just now stated.

MR. LABOUCHERE

Are we to understand that no effect is to be given to the views of the Governor of Ceylon that these exiles ought to have from £40 to £50 a-year allowed them in place of the rent of these houses?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

A distinction will be drawn according to their circumstances. We are informed on very good authority that one of these exiles is well off; in fact, their circum- stances vary. My hon. Friend will see that it would not be wise to treat all exactly the same. We are waiting further explanations on the subject.

MR. E. STANHOPE

Is it true that the first act of the Governor of Ceylon, on returning to the Island after a throe months' leave of absence, was to give a banquet to Arabi Pasha and his fellow-prisoners?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have no information on that point.

SIR HENRY HOLLAND

Will the noble Lord say whether a Copy of the despatch of the Governor of Ceylon will also be laid on the Table?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I must ask my hon. Friend to give Notice of that Question.