HC Deb 22 February 1886 vol 302 cc908-9
SIR JULIAN GOLDSMID

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, What course the Government propose to take with regard to Sir Drummond Wolff and his mission to Egypt?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

interposing, asked, whether it would not be better that the debate on that subject should be postponed for a day or two, and not taken after a fixed hour?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE)

In answer to my right hon. Friend, I have to say that my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (the Earl of Rosebery) is expecting a detailed Report and full communications from Sir H. Drummond Wolff, without which, in point of fact, we should not be able accurately to appreciate his position with reference to the very important and complicated and difficult question which he has in hand. At the present juncture we have no intention of interfering with the continuance of Sir H. Drummond Wolff's Mission. With regard to the Question of the right hon. Baronet, it had been our intention to proceed with the Vote tonight; but I will at once agree to postpone it. I am, however, informed that the Vote ought to be taken not later than Thursday.

SIR JULIAN GOLDSMID

gave Notice that he would call attention to Par- liamentary Papers, Egypt, Nos. 1 and 2, 1885.