§ MR. J. E. ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount 1533 owing on the 31st March, 1898, by the Egyptian Treasury to the British Exchequer; whether interest is being charged on the indebtedness, and, if so, at what rate; whether any arrangement has been made for the repayment of the sum advanced, and, if so, at what date; and whether advances have been made since the 31st March, or are contemplated, and, if so, of what amount or amounts?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.£798,802 was advanced, and was owing on the 31st March. The Egyptian Government agreed to pay 2¾ per cent. interest, but none has yet been paid. No date was fixed for the repayment of the sum advanced; it was understood that that depended on the condition of the finances of Egypt. Nothing has been advanced since the 31st March. As to the future, I have already stated that I expect to have to make a proposal to the House on the subject.
§ MR. J. E. ELLISCan the right honourable Gentleman say about when the proposal will be made?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERIt will not be before Whitsuntide, Sir.