§ MR. J. M. ROBERTSONTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many and what mining or prospecting concessions were granted to the late Mr. Knox Brown by the Egyptian and Soudan Governments, or either of them; what were the dates when such concessions were granted, and for what periods; where were they situated, and what area did each comprise; were any and what companies formed, and at what dates, to work such concessions; what was the share capital of each, and what was the nominal value of such shares; to what extent were the shares in each of such companies subscribed for; how many of such companies, and which, are at the 1404 present time working such concessions; what are the dividends paid by each since their inception; and what are the respective values of their shares.
§ (Answered by Sir Edward Grey). I have no information on the subject. The concessions date several years back. Much of the information desired by the hon. Member would be very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain; and, as the subject appears to be of little public interest, I do not consider that I should be justified in putting the Egyptian Government to the trouble and expense of drawing up a Report on the matter.