§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONasked whether the Mahdist prisoners incarcerated at Wady Haifa after the Soudan War are still at that place, and how many remain; whether there is yet any prospect of their ever being released; whether Osman Digna is still among them; and, if so, whether the British authorities in Egypt will now allow an independent medical examination with a view to ascertaining his mental condition?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe only information which I have received in regard to the Mahdist prisoners at Wady Haifa subsequent to that which I gave to the hon. Member in reply to the question which he addressed to me on the 27th of April, 1909, is to the effect that these Dervish prisoners appear to be satisfied with their lot, and that they are well cared for, in excellent health, and give no trouble. As regards the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I can only repeat what I stated in answer to a question which he addressed to me on the 20th of May, 1909, that it must be left to the Egyptian Government to decide whether such an examination into the mental condition of Osman Digna is necessary or desirable.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONWill the Foreign Office again draw the attention of the Egyptian Government to this matter?