HC Deb 04 March 1884 vol 285 cc505-6
MR. LEAMY

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is a fact that a decree has been issued by the authority of Mr. Clifford Lloyd, suppressing a French newspaper, The Bosphore Egyptien, published in Cairo; and, whether the suppression has the sanction of Her Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether a copy of the publication objected to will be laid upon the Table of the House?

MR. M'COAN

asked whether the prosecution had been ordered under the existing Press Law of Egypt; and, if so, under what article?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

Sir, the fact of the suppression having taken place has not yet been officially communicated to the Foreign Office; but it is a matter fully within the competence of the Egyptian Government, and one in which Her Majesty's Government would not feel called upon to raise objection or interfere.

MR. LEAMY

said, he had asked if the act were done by authority of Mr. Clifford Lloyd; and perhaps the noble Lord would also state if the Government was responsible for the action of Mr. Clifford Lloyd?

LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE

I have no information of Mr. Clifford Lloyd's connection with the matter.

MR. LEAMY

I shall repeat the Question on Thursday.