§ 1. Mr. DILLONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is Proposed by a Khedival decree to abolish the General Assembly in Egypt; and whether, before he approves of any constitutional changes in Egypt, the House of Commons will be given an opportunity of considering the proposed changes?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)Certain modifications of the organic and electoral laws are to be introduced. They include the fusion of the General Assembly and Legislative Council, but their object is to enable the inhabitants of Egypt to take a more practical interest in their own affairs, and to develop existing Egyptian representative institutions. I have approved these modifications and developments, which have been considered and recommended by the Egyptian Government and their expert advisers together with His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General. I propose shortly to lay before the House of Commons Papers containing full information on the changes made, but I cannot make them dependent upon discussion in the House taking place.
§ Mr. DILLONWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of laying these Papers immediately, so that nothing may be done to lessen the limited liberties of the Egyptian people without our knowledge?
§ Sir E. GREYIt is not to lessen the liberties, but to increase them. With re- 1200 gard to the laying of Papers, I have had Papers already prepared, and I am only waiting for the receipt of the final text of the law, in which some modifications have been made, to lay them. I hope to lay them, at any rate, by the middle of next month, roughly speaking, in a fortnight.
Captain CRAIGWill the right hon. Gentleman take the same interest in the liberties of the people of Ulster?