§ Mr. MORELasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Egyptian Prime Minister publicly announced to a delegation from Assiut at the end of April that the members of the Egyptian delegation now in Almaza Prison would be released immediately on the payment of £5,000; that he stated that this was a decision agreed upon between the British military authorities and himself; that the prisoners themselves refused payment; that Madame Zaghlul offered to pay the sum required; that the Egyptian Prime Minister then stated that this offer had been refused; that the prisoners' families then offered payment; that this was accepted; and that the Prime Minister then stated that the release would not follow immediately; whether the British military authorities were responsible for or concurred in this change of policy; and whether they are now prepared to release the prisoners?
§ Mr. McNEILLIf the hon. Member is referring to the members of the Wafd who were arrested early in March, his question does not arise, since, with two exceptions, these individuals were released on 15th April, one of these exceptions being released at a subsequent date. If not, the hon. Member is possessed of information which has not reached me.