Dr. RUTHERFORDasked the Prime Minister whether he would consider the desirability of devoting one day in each Session to the consideration of the Egyptian Budget and the Annual Statement of the British Agent and Consul-General in Egypt?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I do not desire in any way to depreciate the importance of Egypt, but I think it would not be advisable to select a special day and allocate it annually to the discussion of one particular subject of foreign policy. There are at present several opportunities in which foreign affairs can be discussed during the Session. There are very great demands upon the time of the House, and I think the present system is the best for ensuring that those subjects of foreign policy which arouse the most general interest in the House each year should be brought forward and discussed.
Dr. RUTHERFORDasked the Prime Minister whether he had recently received any protest from Egyptians in reference to the British occupation of Egypt; and whether, in view of the inadequate facilities afforded to this House during the present Session for the discussion of Egyptian 622 affairs he would allot a day, or a portion of a day, to a Debate on the policy of his Majesty's Government in Egypt?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have received a telegram in the sense described demanding the evacuation of Egypt. I cannot see in it any reason for setting aside the work of the House of Commons in order to provide for a special discussion on Egypt.