HC Deb 22 October 1908 vol 194 cc1354-5
MR. J. M. ROBERTSON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the demand of a number of Egyptian politicians for Egyptian representation in the proposed constitutional assembly for Turkey; and whether, in view of this demand, he will urge upon the British Consul-General at Cairo the expediency of strengthening the constitutional element in the Government of Egypt.

SIR EDWARD GREY

During this year a scheme for representative provincial Councils is being elaborated in Egypt, and I cannot add to the general statement of policy already made at the opening of this session.

MR. J. M. ROBERTSON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this new development will create difficulty with regard to British administration in Egypt?

SIR EDWARD GREY

I see no signs of that whatever.

DR. RUTHERFORD

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are in a position to state when they will recommend His Highness the Khedive to start Parliamentary institutions in Egypt.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given to the hon. Member for Tyneside.

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