2. Mr. GIDEON MURRAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the last White Book on Egyptian affairs deals only with matters up to the end of February of this year; and whether he will issue another White Book immediately so as to bring up to date public knowledge in Great Britain of conditions in that country?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the latter in the negative. As Egypt is now independent, the issue of periodical reports on internal conditions is a matter for the Egyptian rather than for His Majesty's Government. No doubt, however, it will be found convenient for His Majesty's Government to publish from time to lime reports on Egyptian affairs of special interest to Great Britain.
Mr. MURRAYWill the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government contemplate publishing such a report at an early date, in view of the murders that are taking place in that country? Surely something is necessary to inform the public of this country what is the position?
Mr. MURRAYThen will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of issuing a statement at an early date, for the information of this House, as to the conditions in Egypt, if he be not able to to issue a White Book?
§ Lieut-Colonel JAMESMay I ask whether, when the hon. Gentleman issues 2049 such a statement, if he propose to do so, he will make a statement first of all as to the agrarian crime in the country, and, in the second place, as to the arrangements that have been made, or attempted to be made, between the British and Egyptian Governments with regard to the compensation of officials?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThat might possibly form a subject of such a periodical White Paper as that which I mentioned in my answer.