§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, with your permission I desire to ask the Leader of the House if he can give us any information as to the negotiations with respect to the Egyptian Treaty.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (LORD PARMOOR)My Lords, I am in a position to read to the House what has been stated by the Foreign Secretary in another place. The statement, which was in answer to a Question by Captain Bennett, is as follows:—"The Foreign Secretary regrets to inform the House that, in spite of the most sincere and friendly efforts on both sides, the negotiations have failed, His Majesty's Government not having seen their way to meet the Egyptian Delegation in regard to the Sudan." The Foreign Secretary says, further, that he will very shortly lay before the House a White Paper dealing clearly with the negotiations.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, in view of that very serious announcement of the Government, I desire at once to ask the noble and learned Lord whether he will give facilities for a discussion upon the White Paper as soon as it is laid? I should like to know also how soon he hopes to lay the Paper. I should like to add that in our judgment, the negotiations having broken down, we revert to the Declaration of 1922, which remains in full force.
§ LORD PARMOORMy Lords, I desire to enter into no question of any kind. I do not say that I have any reason whatever for differing from what the noble Marquess has said; but I do not desire to make any declaration at the present moment. I cannot say how soon the White Paper will be laid, but I understand as soon as possible; that is to say, in the course of a day or so. As 434 soon as it is laid, I will certainly see that all facilities are given, particularly after what I stated to the noble Viscount, Lord Brentford, the other day, for an immediate discussion if it is desired by the noble Marquess.