HC Deb 10 March 1884 vol 285 c1053
SIR WILFRID LAWSON

said, he had seen it stated that an attack was expected to be made on the Arabs tomorrow, and he thought it was desirable that the Government should state what was the object of the attack?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I am afraid I can give no further answer to the Question than the statement I made last Thursday in Committee. I stated on that occasion the nature of the information we have received from Admiral Hewett and the nature of the instructions given to him.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

I presume it is a defensive operation?

[No reply.]