§ MR. J. M. ROBERTSON (Northumberland, Tyneside)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fresh outbreaks of brigandage in Egypt, and the admission in Sir Eldon Gorst's Report for 1907 of the need for improvements in the existing police system, he will urge upon the Egyptian Government the expediency of establishing a committee of public security, in which experienced natives of the administrative and other classes may take part and suggest new measures.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI am not aware of the recent occurrence of any events in Egypt which would render the establishment of a committee of public safety necessary or desirable. Sir Eldon Gorst has pointed out that the degree of insecurity prevailing is greatly exaggerated. He has also stated, in his Report, that the effect of the measures 1038 taken for the gradual improvement of the present system for dealing with crime will not be apparent for some time to come, and we see no reason for making any further recommendations.
§ MR. J. M. ROBERTSONHas not the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to recent reports of brigandage?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI have not seen the reports. If the hon. Gentleman has any information perhaps he will forward it.