§ MR. NORWOODasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If he can give the names of the British representatives on the proposed Commission to draw up the agreement for the neutrality of the Suez Canal; and, whether he can lay a copy of their instructions upon the Table of the House?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEThe British Representatives will be Sir Julian Pauncefote, Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Sir Rivers Wilson, Comptroller General of the National Debt. The Instructions cannot be laid on the Table at present.
§ MR. ONSLOWasked, considering that India had had to pay a very large sum for the maintenance of the Suez Canal, as stated by Her Majesty's Government, whether it would not be proper to put an officer of Indian experience on the Commission?
§ [No reply.]
§ SIR. H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked, whether, before the meeting of the Commission, there would be any Instructions given in the shape of a basis for the conduct of the Commissioners?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICE,in reply, said, that the Circular Despatch of Lord Granville, which had long been in the hands of hon. Members, contained the basis of proceedings.
§ MR. GIBSONMay I ask when the Instructions to the Commission will be laid before Parliament?
§ [No reply.]
225§ MR. GIBSONWill Parliament ever be told anything about the Instructions?
§ [No reply.]
§ MR. ONSLOWsaid, he would put a Question on the Paper on the subject.
MR. JOSEPH COWENsaid, that, in consequence of the refusal of the noble Lord to answer the Questions, he begged to give Notice that he should move an Address to Her Majesty that, before the agreement with respect to the Suez Canal was concluded, it should be submitted to the House.
§ MR. GIBSONI have asked the noble Lord when he will lay the Instructions before Parliament, and he has not given an answer.
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEI must ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman to put the Question on the Paper.