§
4. Motion made, and Question proposed,
That a sum, not exceeding £39,766, be granted to Her Majesty, to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1889, as a grant in aid of completing the Adjustment of Accounts between the British and Egyptian Governments.
§ *MR. GOSCHENAmong other matters of account with the Egyptian Government is one arising from a reduction which was made in the interest on the purchase money of the Suez Canal shares, which was reduced from 5 to 4½ per cent. After a time the payment was resumed, and the Egyptian Government repaid the ½ per cent. and 231 placed it again at the disposal of our Government. On the other hand, there were claims raised by the Egyptian Government, and a set-off was arranged of that money which had been repaid to us by the Egyptian Government against various claims upon us made by the Egyptian Government.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)I wished to raise an important question as to whether the accounts with the Egyptian Government are to be squared at the expense of the British taxpayer; but under the circumstances I hope the Government will remember the amount of work we have done, and will consent to report Progress. I beg to move accordingly.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Sir George Campbell.)
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHI am sorry to say we cannot consent to adopt this course. It is the general desire of the Committee that we should complete the Supplementary Estimates this evening, and I hope that my hon. Friend will withdraw his Motion.
§ DR. CAMERON (Glasgow, College Division)I think, perhaps, it would be a more convenient course if we discussed this matter on Report.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLI know it is of no use dividing the House against the master of many legions, and I will, therefore, take the advice of my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow.
§ MR. PHILIP STANHOPE (Wednesbury)I hope that we shall have some assurance from the Government that a proper opportunity will be afforded the House of discussing the action of the British Government in relation to Egyptian Finance.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELLI understand that it is not intended to enter upon the Vote on Account for the Civil Service to-night.
§ *Mr. W. H. SMITHNo, Sir.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)The Civil Service Excess Votes raise a very important question as to the Divisional Magistrates. I hope the Government do not intend to press them through tonight.
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHWe shall be able, I think, to give a satisfactory explanation to the House on that subject.
§ Original Question put, and agreed to.