§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, If it be true that arrangements have been made by which the obstructions in the channel at the entrance of the harbour of Alexandria will be removed, so as to admit of the entrance of large ships in any weather, and by night as well as by day; and, within what time it is expected this important work will be executed?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICESir, the Egyptian Government have in principle decided to adopt the scheme 1145 for deepening the entrance into Alexandria Harbour recommended by an International Commission of Engineers in 1881. They are now considering the mode of providing funds to carry out the works without throwing any fresh charge on the Egyptian Treasury. I am unable to say at present within what time it is expected that the work will be completed.