DR. RUTHERFORDI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Egyptian Legislative Council, on 1st December, unanimously adopted a Motion asking the Government of His Highness the Khedive to prepare a law conferring on the native effective participation in the internal government of the country; and whether His Majesty's Government will advise His Highness the Khedive readily to grant this reform, which was first asked for some years ago.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have not yet received a copy of this Motion. The matter has been occupying the attention of the Egyptian Government in connection with provincial councils, and I can add nothing at present to the last statement made on the subject generally.
§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)Will any statement be made to the House before the end of the session?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have more than once this session explained the general aspect of the question. The subject of the reform of the Provincial Councils has been engaging our attention all the year.