HC Deb 17 July 1919 vol 118 cc570-1
3. Lieut-Colonel Sir SAMUEL HOARE

asked the Foreign Secretary whether Lord Milner's Egyptian Commission will consist of Sir William Garstin, Sir Ronald Graham, General Maxwell, and Sr Arthur Chitty; and, if so, will he explain why, with the exception of the chairman, no Member of either House has been appointed a member?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

There is no truth in the report in question.

Sir S. HOARE

Has the Commission been appointed yet?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Not yet; but negotiations are being made.

Sir S. HOARE

Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that at least one member of the Commission will be a Member of this House?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I cannot give that assurance, but names of Members of this House are under consideration.

Major Earl WINTERTON

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that nobody associated with the Egyptian Government during the War will be appointed, in view of the fact that the Egyptian Government administration during the War will be under consideration?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I cannot give such a comprehensive undertaking as that.

Earl WINTERTON

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that one of the members mentioned in the question was a member of the Egyptian Government for three years during the War, and does he realise that it would be most unfortunate for him to be a member of a Commission to inquire into the conduct of the Egyptian Government?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

This list of names is not authentic. I will bear in mind what my hon. and gallant Friend says.