HC Deb 26 August 1887 vol 320 cc19-20
SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, prior to the present year, Parliament was ever informed that the Egyptian Government was to be relieved by this country of the military expenses incurred by them in connection with the Nile Expedition, and for the defence of their own frontiers, and paid for the use of the Egyptian State Railways in the same connection; and, with reference to the Report of the Controller and Auditor General (presented this year) regarding the charge of £232,986 against the old Vote of Credit by Treasury Minutes of September and October, 1886—namely, that "the amount is not properly chargeable to the Vote," whether Her Majesty's Government have yet obtained the approval of the Auditor General for the charge; or, if not, whether they will either recover the amount from the Egyptian Government or submit it for the sanction of Parliament?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)

As regards the second Question of the hon. Member, I may say that the Public Accounts Committee has passed this charge. They say in their Report that— "Though unsatisfactory, the course taken was the best that could have been adopted under the circumstances. " With regard to the first Question, the expenses incurred by the Egyptian Government were not those incurred in defence of their own frontier, but in support of the English Expedition for the relief of General Gordon. I should be sorry to think that this country desired to evade a responsibility so clearly imposed by all considerations of honour, and practically on many occasions accepted.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

asked, whether the Expedition was undertaken for the relief of General Gordon, or for the relief of a large number of Egyptian troops; and, whether Parliament was ever informed before the present year that the Egyptian Government was to be recouped for its services?

MR. E. STANHOPE

The Expedition, undoubtedly, was primarily for the relief of General Gordon. Parliament was informed at the time by the responsible Minister that the Government recognized its responsibility towards General Gordon.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

asked, whether General Gordon was ever most conspicuous in saying that he did not require an Expedition for his personal relief, but only for those who served with him?

MR. E. STANHOPE

I am sure the country will feel glad that such public spirit on the part of General Gordon did not lead the Government to the acceptance of such a pusillanimous policy.