48. Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Prime Minister on what date the Secretary of State for the Colonies proposes to leave this country for Egypt; what will be the composition of his staff; whether he proposes to meet Arab leaders with a view to consulting them; how long it will be necessary for him to remain in Egypt; what will be the approximate cost of the mission; what results are hoped for; and whether a full report will be presented to this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy right hon. Friend has already started. He is accompanied by six or seven officials from Middle East Department, Financial Branch of the War Office and Air Ministry. He does not expect to meet any Arab leaders. He hopes to remain only about ten days in Egypt and a few days in Palestine, and then to return to lay proposals before the Cabinet. The policy of the Government will then be declared to the House after Easter. The expenses will be regulated according to the usual scale for such missions.