HC Deb 03 August 1909 vol 8 cc1690-1
Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps had been taken to reinstate Dr. H. C. Ross, of the Egyptian Sanitary Service, and to fulfil the understanding come to between Sir Horace Pinching and Dr. Ross, before the latter left the Naval Service, that he should receive a regular appointment upon the permanent staff of the Egyptian Sanitary Service?

The UNDER-SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. T. McKinnon Wood)

As the post occupied by Dr. H. C. Ross was only a temporary one there can be no question of reinstating him. I have already explained, in answer to a question from the hon. Member on 25th May last, that Sir Horace Pinching's successor did not feel justified in giving Dr. Ross a permanent appointment and that His Majesty's Government have no ground for interference with his decisions.

Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

Am I to understand that the Foreign Office deny that Sir Horace Pinching is one of their officers and made an agreement with Dr. Ross?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Sir H. Pinching is in the service of the Government of Egypt.