HC Deb 26 February 1919 vol 112 cc1744-5
67. Sir RICHARD COOPER

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he will state the constitution of the Nile Projects Committee; if he is able yet to present to the House its Report; and, if not, whether, in view of the urgency of the questions submitted to it and the allegations which are being made, involving charges against high officials in Egypt and the Sudan, he can expedite the publication of the Report?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The Nile Projects Committee was constituted as follows:

President: Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice.

Members: Sir John Benton, Sir William Garstin, Colonel H. G. Lyons, Professor W. C. Unwin, and Sir Arthur Webb. The Committee have recently presented their Report, and a copy will be placed at once in the Library of the House for the convenience of hon. Members.

Sir F. HALL

Are the recommendations put forward in the Report likely to be carried out or will they be shelved?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I have not seen the Report.

Sir R. COOPER

Will the hon. Gentleman say that no action shall be taken until we have had an opportunity of studying the Report?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

That is a question which should be put to the Leader of the House.

Sir R. COOPER

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the very great importance of no action being taken until the Report has been studied by Members of the House?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I will represent that to the Leader of the House.