§ Mr. SWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether martial law in Egypt in respect of the free exercise of the political rights of all Egyptians has yet been suspended; whether this will apply to the political rights of those who have been arrested and deported by the British military authorities; and whether the restoration of such deportees to their country depends on the Egyptian Government or on the British military authorities?
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Mr. HARMSW0RTHThe partial suspension of martial law promised in Lord Allenby's letter to the Sultan of the 28th February was designed to facilitate the holding of elections, and when these take place the promise will be fulfilled. As regards the last two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement of the Leader of the House on the 14th instant.
§ Mr. SWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Prime Minister of Egypt informed a deputation of the native Press association on 7th March that the restrictions upon the Press had been imposed by the military authorities and that he would do his best to get them removed; whether he has any information as to whether the Prime Minister of Egypt has approached the military authorities with this request; and whether the restrictions are to be removed?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe reply to the first two parts of the question is in the negative; the last part does not therefore arise.