§ 2. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Egyptian Government contemplates extending the representative system and enlarging the General Assembly which in 1910 rejected the Suez Canal contract; 1850 and, if the answer be in the affirmative, whether the advisers of His Highness the Khedive are in favour of such action; and whether he will explain why the present occasion is taken for moving further in this direction?
§ Mr. ACLANDI would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his question of 21st November, in which it was stated that no scheme of reform of the nature here indicated is before us at the present moment.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask if the Secretary of State is aware that exceedingly wide currency has been given to reports that the Egyptian Government is moving in that direction, and whether we are to understand that nothing of this kind has been contemplated?
§ Mr. ACLANDThat is so. I think we are aware of the reports that have appeared, but nothing is before the Secretary of State at the present time.