Martial Law
15.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will reconsider the continuance of British martial law in Egypt now that that country has been declared an independent foreign State?
I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on this subject to his question of the 25th May.
Thank you for the reply. On what grounds is martial law continued?
If the hon. Member will look at the relevant White Paper he will find what he asks for.
Could we get any information as to the grounds for the continuation of martial law?
I think I have already given the hon. Member, or one of his colleagues, an answer on that very question. If he will put down a definite question I will endeavour to give a satisfactory reply.
Who is responsible for the continuation of martial law? Is it the British or the Egyptian Government?
I should like to have notice.
Railway Department (Mr Pearson)
16.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mr. Pearson, an administrator in the Egyptian Government Railway Department, has been for some time incapacitated for work through illness, and that he is now carried to and from his office daily since his sick-leave has expired; and whether, since this leads to inefficiency in the working of his Department, His Majesty's Government will instruct Lord Allenby to order his retirement?
I have no information regarding the first part of the question. The remainder does not therefore arise. I should add that, in any case, Lord Allenby would have no power to intervene in such a matter.
Will the hon. Member endeavour to get some information?
Yes.