THE EARL OF ROSEBERYsaid, he wished to ask the Prime Minister a Question of which he had given private Notice—namely, Whether he can give the House any information respecting the Convention as to Egypt, said to have been signed between England and the Porte?
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SE-CRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)I am afraid I am not able to give as much information as I could wish. Late last night, certainly, an agreement was come to which disposed of a good deal of the difference between the Porte and ourselves. How far the agreement went I am unable to say, as the telegrams are somewhat confusing; and I am afraid that if I went into details I might possibly give an inaccurate impression. The negotiations, however, are going on very favourably, and I hope that when Parliament meets after the holidays I shall be able to lay further information before your Lordships.