§ 7. Mr. WATERSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Milner Commission as such has ceased to exist; whether it is now authorised to act as representative of the Government to negotiate with the Egyptian delegation as representative of Egypt; whether the independence of Egypt and the Soudan has been recognised by the Government; and if the negotiations are for the purpose of ascertaining what guarantees Egypt can give to safeguard British interests?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe Milner Mission has in no sense ceased to exist, and their present negotiations with Zaghloul Pasha and his followers do not go beyond their original instructions. These were to consult with representatives of all shades of opinion with a view to working out a scheme for the future government of Egypt which, while safeguarding the interests of Europeans, should satisfy so far as possible the aspirations of Egyptians. In the meantime there is no change in the political status of Egypt or the Soudan.
Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEWhen may we expect a declaration from the Government on their Egyptian policy?