§ SIR HENRY TYLERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether any, and, if so, what preparations have been made, and what plans and route have been decided on, for withdrawing the garrisons and refugees from the Soudan, on the arrival at Khartoum of the British Expedition now proceeding up the Nile? He wished, further, to ask whether any confirmation had been received by the Government as to the rumours of the fall of Khartoum, which had appeared in The Times of that morning?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONNo confirmation of the rumours in question has been received either at the War Office or the Foreign Office. With regard to the Question on the Paper, I have to say that it is quite impossible to form, at the present time, a definite and final decision, still less to announce that decision on matters which must be considered in the various circumstances which may arise. A great deal must depend upon the General commanding on the spot in order to make the best arrangements.
§ SIR HENRY TYLERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his own information confirms the reports which have been published of the delay and difficulties experienced in transporting the troops and stores of the Soudan expedition by row-boats along the Nile, and the length of time and labour that such a system must entail; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will now take further into consideration the question of constructing a Railway from Suakim to the Nile, such as may be of 1453 use in establishing communication with Khartoum, with drawing the garrisons and refugees from the Soudan, and forming a permanent route for commerce with Central Africa?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONWe have received no official Report of any greater delay or difficulties than we anticipated in transporting troops and stores by means of row-boats. The Government are not of opinion that it is necessary to reconsider the question of constructing a Railway from Suakin to Berber. These matters will, however, be more conveniently discussed when the Vote in connection with the Expedition is moved.