§ 18. Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the posts vacated by 48 British officials in Egypt in 1930 of Class V and upwards have been filled by other British subjects; how many of the 27 vacancies in Class V and upwards in 1931 caused by the departure of British officials have been filled by other nationals; and to which nations these persons belong?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe answer to the first part of the question is contained in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 31st of October. With regard to the second and third parts, I have asked His Majesty's High Commissioner for a report on the subject, and will communicate with my hon. Friend on its receipt.
Sir J. WAR D LAW-M ILNEMy right hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the reason I put the question is that his previous reply seemed to show that the higher posts vacated by British subjects were not filled.
§ Sir J. SIMONI am quite sure that the hon. Member had perfectly good reasons for asking the question, and I am not in the least criticising him. I was merely observing that the information asked for in the first part of his question had already been supplied by way of question and answer. May I add that there is no reason to suppose that any of the vacancies which have not been filled by citizens of this country have been filled by citizens of any country other than Egypt.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESIs the appointment of these higher officials solely a matter for the Egyptian Government or have His Majesty's Government any say in the matter?
§ Sir J. SIMONI think I know the answer to the hon. Member, but I would rather have notice. It is better not to make a mistake.
§ Sir J. WARDLAW-MILNEWill my right hon. Friend let me know when he has further information?
§ Sir J. SIMONCertainly.