HC Deb 06 March 1883 vol 276 cc1607-8
SIR WILFRID LAWSON

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is true, as stated in the "Standard" of the 5th instant, that funds for the New Egyptian Indemnity Loan are to to be provided by retrenching the amounts now available for the internal administration of this Country, a step which is said to be exciting the "liveliest indignation;" and, whether, under these circumstances, Her Majesty's Government will support the Egyptian Government in altering their decree known as "The Law of Liquidation," so as to provide for the indemnity from the revenues assigned for the payment of the bondholders?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, it is the object of the Egyptian Government to introduce economy into the different Departments of the Public Service of that country, so as, if possible, to meet the demands upon it without imposing fresh taxation. The issues raised by the second portion of the Question are, I fear, of too great importance to be answered within the limits of an answer to a. Question.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

Is the money to be taken from the unassigned revenue?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

That is a fresh Question, of which I must have Notice.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

No, no.