§ Sir F. WISEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position of the Egyptian Tribute Loans, and if any interest is being paid or drawings for redemption are taking place of the bonds of the Ottoman 3½ per cent. Loan of 1894?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONAccording to my latest information, the 4th of March has been fixed by the Court of Appeal for the hearing of the Tribute Loans case. It is considered probable that the pleading will take, four days, after which about a fortnight will be required by the Court in which to frame their judgment. In consequence of the decision taken by the Egyptian Parliament in July, 1924, the National Bank of Egypt was instructed by the Egyptian Government to open a special account in Cairo and to pay into it the moneys for the service 341W of the loans of 1891 and 1894 until further orders. With, regard to the last part of the question, the drawings take place at the due times, but the Egyptian Government are in default in respect of the moneys for the service of the bonds drawn.