§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State whether he has yet received the reports of the two commissions appointed by him last year to consider the question of cotton-growing in Egypt?
§ Sir E. GREYThe Egyptian Government appointed last year a Commission which was divided into two branches, for the purpose of studying the different aspects of this question. The Commission issued last September a Joint Report, which has been published by the Egyptian Government. Copies of this document have been received at this Office, one of which has been sent to the Board of Trade, and another to the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' and Manufacturers Associations.
§ Mr. MORRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman lay this document on the Table of the House?
§ Sir E. GREYI will consider that.
Mr. PEELAre these reports confined to cotton growing in Egypt, and is it not a fact that they do not deal with the far more important question of cotton growing in the Soudan?
§ Sir E. GREYThe question of cotton growing in the Soudan has been under the anxious consideration of the Foreign Office and of the Egyptian Government during the last six months. I quite admit the importance of the question.
§ Mr. MORRELLAre these the final reports, or does the right hon. Gentleman expect further reports upon the question?
§ Sir E. GREYI do not know that there are any other reports to be expected from the same Commission, but that fact has not prevented the Egyptian Government from continuing to give considerable attention during the past six months, as I know from personal knowledge, to the question of cotton growing in the Sondan as well as in Egypt.