§ 35. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Prime Minister whether any information, official or unofficial, has been received by the British Government from Egypt regarding the reception in that country of the Milner Mission's Report, and of the more recent utterances regarding the future of Egypt made by himself and the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and whether he will make a further statement on the matter so as to clear up apparent misunderstandings which have arisen?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no information other than that contained in the newspapers as to the reception of the Milner Mission's Report in Egypt. I hope to announce the policy of His Majesty's Government as soon as the House has had an opportunity of discussing the Egyptian question.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWhen will that be?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have just consulted the Leader of the House, and he says that he does not think that there will be an opportunity before Easter.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIs the whole question of Egypt going to be hung up until after Easter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERProbably longer than that, because we shall require an opportunity of conferring with the Egyptian representatives.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill you not have to await Lord Milner's return?
§ 38. Mr. SPOORasked the Prime Minister whether the discussion of the Milner Report will be taken irrespective of the absence of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, inasmuch as this matter would be more properly dealt with by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs than by the Secretary of State for the Colonies?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWhen a discussion is thought desirable, it would not be prevented by the absence of my right hon. Friend.