§ MR. GOURLEYasked the Secretary of State for War, What measures Her Majesty's Government intend adopting for the defence of the Nile Provinces in Upper and Lower Egypt; if it is intended to have an armed flotilla in the River, or only garrisons at Korosko, Assouan, Assiout, Cairo, ? and, if the Government is aware that an enemy entering Upper Egypt would be able to do so without going near Korosko or Assouan?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe subject referred to in the Question of my hon. Friend has occupied the attention of the Government and of the General Officers in command in Egypt; but it would obviously be undesirable to state at the present time what measures are contemplated for the defence of the Nile Provinces. The Government are quite aware of certain roads in the direction indicated by the Question; but have no reason to believe that they are roads which would permit the passage of a very considerable number of troops.
§ In reply to a further Question from Mr. GOURLEY,
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, it was not desirable to make known the details of what was being done. All the necessary arrangements were being made by the officers on the spot.