§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked whether, with reference to the resignation of Drs. E. H. and H. O. Ross from the Public Health Department of Egypt. Sir Horace Pinching, the late Director General, was consulted upon the question of what offers he mad" to the Drs. Ross which induced them to surrended positions in the Navy in order to join the Egyptian service; whether Sir Horace Pinching has, or has not, admitted that he offered them permanent appointments in the Egyptian service; and whether the Government proposes to accept responsibility for the actions of its responsible officers and accredited agents in Egypt?
§ Sir E. GREYDr. E. H. Ross held an appointment on the permanent staff of the Egyptian Public Health Department until his resignation, which, it is understood, took effect from the beginning of this month. From a letter addressed by Sir 2054 Horace Pinching to Dr. H. C. Ross (dated 25th May, 1906), a copy of which has been communicated to me, it is evident that this gentleman's appointment was temporary. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I returned to his question of 25th May, 1909. The reply to the last part of this question is in the affirmative, but I must point out that officials of the Egyptian Health Department are in the service of the Egyptian, and not of His Majesty's Government.