HC Deb 24 March 1885 vol 296 cc392-3
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to a statement by The Daily News Correspondent at Korti, that— There is an immense traffic in slaves around Khartoum. In consequence of the large number of prisoners, female slaves are selling at 48 reals to 92 reals apiece; and to statements which appear in all the papers that female prisoners from Khartoum are being freely sold near Korti for £16 a-piece; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will authorize Lord Wolseley, by telegraph, to ransom these unfortunate victims, and also to ransom Slatin Bey and M. Cuzzi, now prisoners of the Mahdi?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I have seen the paragraph in The Daily News to which the hon. Member refers; but I am not aware whether the statements made in it are accurate or not. It appears to me to be extremely doubtful whether it would be desirable to direct or authorize Lord Wolseley, as the hon. Member suggests, to ransom those unfortunate victims, and it seems to be extremely probable that such a course might greatly tend to encourage the traffic that is said to be going on. With regard to Slatin Bey and M. Cuzzi, I can add nothing to what was stated the other day by my noble Friend the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs. The noble Lord said that Her Majesty's Government had taken no steps to ransom Slatin Bey or M. Cuzzi; but one of the main objects of Lord Wolseley's Expedition would be to secure the safety of those who remained loyal to the Egyptian Government, and that he would take every step that is likely to secure that object. He also said that Lord Wolseley had received full powers to take whatever steps he thought proper.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked whether the noble Marquess distinctly declined to advise Lord Wolseley by telegram that he was at liberty to ransom these unfortunate persons, and especially Slatin Bey and M. Cuzzi? He also asked the Prime Minister whether he still adhered to the opinion that the Slave Trade had received a decided check in the Soudan? ["Order, order!"]

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is asking the noble Lord to reply to a Question he has already replied to; and is, therefore, not in Order.