THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1919, Page 2

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

AUSTRALIAN A N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

STATEMENT IN COMMONS. LONDON, March 18,

Lord Curzon in the House of Lords, gave an explanation of the riots'recently in Egypt. He said that a deputation of the Egyptian Nationalists called at the British Presidency and advocated the right of Egypt to complete autonomy" and urged that Britain should only have the right to supervise the public debt of Egypt, also the Suez Canal and Egyptian shipping. The Prime Minister of Egypt and the Minister of Education were then given an invitation to visit London, but declined to go unless the Nationalist Leaders were included in the party. The Ministers then resigned. The Egyptian Nationalists then endeaI voured to prevent the formation of a I new Ministry. The Sultan appealed to j the British High Commissioner for ! his protection. Thereupon the National, j ist leaders were arrested and were de- ! ported. ; Riots followed upon this both in j Cairo and elsewhere. The riots were i organised chiefly by Egyptian students \ who were aided by town rabbles. Some casualties were caused. A few rioters were shot. ! “The situation,’’ added Lord Curzon, “is now well in hand.”

THE FIRST BIG SCHEME. (Received This Bay at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 19.

In the House of Commons the Transport Bill was read a second time without division. Hon. Bonar Law said the Bill meant the repudiation of the whole of the past economic policy, and represented the first big scheme of reconstruction. They must act quickly to avert disaster.

NEW SERVICES BILL. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 19

Hon W. Winstom Churchill has agreed to an amendment to the New Services Bill for the retention of soldiers after April 30th, 1920.