50. Major BARNESasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any constitutional means at present exist in Egypt for giving an indemnity against the operation of martial law in that country; and, if so, what they are?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe act of indemnity which is a necessary condition of the abolition of martial law in Egypt can be given by a Decree of the King of Egypt issued by and with the advice of his Council of Ministers, provided that the necessary steps are taken by the Egyptian Government to make the Decree effective before the Mixed Courts.
§ Mr. MILLSDoes the Decree provide that the fixing of the Egyptian Constitution should be done by a Committee appointed by this Government instead of by the Constituent Assembly elected by the Egyptian people?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe Constitution is exactly as I have stated, and it can be done by and with the advice of the Council of Ministers.
§ Mr. MILLSIs the Constitution being fixed by a nominated Committee instead of by a Constituent Assembly of the elected representatives of the Egyptian people?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think that arises here.