§ 3. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now take the initiative in calling a technical conference to discuss the future use of the Nile Waters.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. John Profumo)No, Sir. But I will bear the suggestion in mind.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs my hon. Friend aware that both the Sudan and our friends in East Africa urgently need to be able to draw additional quantities of water off the Nile and that, in default of any agreement, they are restricted from doing so? Therefore, is it not necessary on technical grounds alone to take the initiative to get this matter started? To wait for political agreement would be too late.
§ Mr. ProfumoThere is little prospect of a successful conference until the U.A.R. 830 and the Sudanese Government have reached some agreement between themselves. Although technical considerations enter into the dispute, the basic issue is a political one of how to divide the water available.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIf such a conference is called, will not the hon. Gentleman have to call in the Russians also, as they are building the Aswan Dam? Will he say how much responsibility the Government share for this peculiar position?
§ Mr. ProfumoThat matter does not arise at all.