§ 48. Mr. WATERSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Government still refuses the formal abolition of the protectorate over Egypt; and what are the estimated reinforcements to the garrison of Egypt which will have to be sent as a result of their refusal?
52. Sir F. HALLasked the Lord Privy Seal, if the Cabinet have under consideration any proposals for conferring self-government on Egypt; if so, by whom were such proposals drawn up and to what territories do they relate; and if the effect of these proposals has been communicated to the leaders of the Egyptian Nationalist party?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject on Wednesday last, except to say that the forces at present in Egypt are considered adequate, and that no increase in their number is in contemplation.
§ Mr. RAFFANWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true, as stated in the newspapers, that the Government is very seriously divided over this?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am not aware that there is any division. If there is we shall certainly discover it.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman keep the House informed as to the position of the negotiations with Egypt and will there be an opportunity of Debate before the position with that country breaks out in open insurrection?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere has been, I am sorry to say, something very nearly approaching open insurrection not many months ago, but there is nothing approaching it at present.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have already given a pledge that no such serious step 1696 as is contemplated will be undertaken without the knowledge of the House?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOf course. I do not know if the House will take sufficient interest to want to discuss it.