§ 8. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the revenues of the Egyptian State Railways constitute one of the securities to the foreign bondholders for the payment of Egyptian debt; whether he has any information that the Minister of Transport to the Egyptian Government has issued to himself and to members of his family 14 first-class free passes for life on the Egyptian State Railways; and whether, if this report be substantially accurate, steps can be taken to protect the interests of the Egyptians themselves or of the foreign bondholders against such abuses?
Mr. HARMSWORTHSave in so far as the general revenues of Egypt constitute security for the payment of interest on the Egyptian Debt, the revenue of the State railways is not specifically charged. I have no information that the Minister of Transport has issued 14 free passes for life to the members of his family; the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESWill the hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the facts are as stated?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI do not think my hon. and gallant Friend ought to ask me to make a rather frivolous inquiry of that kind.
§ Mr. SWANIn these affairs, again, would it not be better to leave it in the hands of the Egyptians to determine their policy?