§ MR. LABOUCHEREasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the House of Commons will have an opportunity to express an opinion upon any pecuniary liability with respect to Egypt on the part of this Country before any assurance be given that such a liability will be assumed?
MR. GLADSTONEI rather think that this Question is covered by the declaration which I made before the close of the last Session of Parliament, and which certainly still holds good. The hon. Member is aware of what are the general rules with respect to contracting pecuniary obligations, and that no such pecuniary obligation can be contracted by the Government except subject to the approval of this House. I do not wish to say anything now on the question whether any such obligation is likely to be contemplated at all; but either the Government will not attempt anything of the kind, or, if they make such an attempt, it will be absolutely impossible without the reservation to the discretion of this House, which, I think, will meet the object of the case.