§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether the Government propose to give effect to the resolution taken last July to raise the blockade maintained at Suakin and on the Nile against trade with the Soudan; and, if so, when orders for raising it are likely to be issued?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)I am not aware that any resolution was taken by Her Majesty's Government last July to allow trade with the Soudan to be reopened; but Her Majesty's Government have been very desirous that this should be done, so soon as it should appear that its effect would be beneficial. Since last July the approach of a hostile force to the Egyptian outposts on the Nile rendered a postponement necessary; but since October trade has been gradually reviving in the neighbourhood of Suakin, and Her Majesty's Government have now assented to the proposal of the Government of Egypt to allow trade to be re-opened in the Nile Valley—of course, excluding traffic in arms and ammunition—and orders to this effect will, no doubt, be immediately issued by the Egyptian authorities.
§ MR. BRYCEsaid, that the right hon. Gentleman had not answered that part of the Question relative to the blockade of Suakin.
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONI am glad to state that since October a trade in the neighbourhood of Suakin has been springing up, and at certain points markets have been established. It is intended that, under proper restrictions, trading shall be allowed also from Suakin.