HC Deb 12 May 1885 vol 298 cc364-5
SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention had been called to the gallant way in which the Governor and garrison of Kassala had up to the present time and for more than a year sustained a siege, and to the fact that their provisions were now nearly gone, and whether in any way or by any means it was proposed to attempt to relieve the gallant garrison?

MR. GLADSTONE

That is a Question that would be more properly answered upon Notice. I have very great doubt as to the policy of its being put and answered in this House. The Government have declared their policy. It is a subject of great interest. I entirely agree with what the hon. and gal- lant Gentleman has said with respect to the gallantry of those persons, and the interest which their fate excites; but I cannot at present go further in answering a Question, and I do not undertake to say without reflection and consideration it would be expedient for me to go further, or how much further it would be expedient for me to go.