§ 50. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Prime Minister who authorised the publication on Saturday, 6th November, of the full text of the official memorandum giving the result of the conversations between the Milner Mission and the Elgyptian delegation; why this document was not first presented to Parliament as a Parliamentary Paper; whether the proposals contained in it have been considered by the Cabinet; and, if so, whether the proposals have received the unqualified acceptance of the British Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe document to which the hon. Member's question refers was published in Egypt some months ago with the consent of the Mission, who are solely responsible for it. It has not been presented to Parliament because it has never been officially communicated by the Mission to His Majesty's Government, though it will, I understand, be included in their forthcoming Report. The proposals contained in it have not yet been fully considered by the Cabinet, and consequently there is at present no question of their acceptance or otherwise by His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs it not a fact that this document was handed on Friday afternoon last by an official of the Foreign Office to the assistant foreign editor of the "Times," and to no other newspaper in this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not aware of that, but it is not in any sense an official document.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable that a document of this importance, containing what are in effect proposals for a treaty with Egypt, should be published before it has been approved by the Cabinet?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat question does not arise. It happens that Lord Milner, who is Chairman of the Commission, is also a Member of the Cabinet, but, apart from that, this action is precisely the same as would have been taken if he had not been a Member of the Cabinet, and so far the Government have no responsibility at all.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNone what ever
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNone whatever.
§ Earl WINTERTONMay I ask if it is denied that this document was given to a newspaper by an official of the Foreign Office? That is the allegation.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not deny or admit it, because I know nothing about it; but I do not see that there would be any harm had that been done.