HC Deb 25 November 1909 vol 13 cc333-5
Mr. MACKARNESS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had yet received a Report from His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General at Cairo showing how many persons had been proceeded against in Egypt under the Deportation Law of 4th July, 1909, and whether he could say in how many cases there had been convictions and what sentences were passed?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)

I learn from His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General at Cairo that 283 cases have been tried under the Law referred to. These cases were carefully selected by the Minister of the Interior from a list of names of about 1,200 persons who were considered the most dangerous by the local authorities. This list was itself prepared by a careful selection of names from among a much larger list of persons whose, existence in the locality in which they resided was considered locally to be a danger to the community. Two hundred and eighty-one persons (22

by default) were ordered to be placed under police supervision in their villages for periods not exceeding five years, and in addition to find security for their good behaviour in sums varying between £E100 and £E1,000. In 11 cases, for special reasons, the security was fixed between £E1,000 and £E1,500. One person was ordered to be placed under police supervision without finding security. One person was not tried by the Commission, as he was already being prosecuted for a crime he had committed. Appeals have been lodged in 102 cases, of which 69 have been considered and the sentences confirmed or revised. Fifty-three cases, of which one had also been appealed by the accused, are, by an independent order of the Minister of the Interior, to be revised. A large number of Notables from all parts of the country who have had occasion to express their views to the authorities are unanimous in declaring that there is already a marked improvement in the state of affairs in the villages, and that there is general satisfaction among the rural population at the results of the measure.

Mr. MACKARNESS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many persons have actually been deported? Also, is it a fact, as stated in the Egyptian Press, that the amount of bail required, varying from £200 to £1,000, is such that in the great majority of cases it cannot be given, and deportation follows as a matter of course?

Sir E. GREY

I cannot say how many persons have actually been deported, because appeals are still pending in some of the cases.

Mr. MACKARNESS

Have these cases been heard in public, and had the men legal assistance?

Sir E. GREY

I think that is the case. But perhaps the hon. Member will put down another question.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Has any other expression of opinion been received?

Sir E. GREY

Yes. I am informed that there is general satisfaction among the rural population.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Among the rural population themselves—apart from the Notables?

Sir E. GREY

Yes.

Mr. LUPTON

What is the cause of the existing unsatisfactory condition of affairs?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.