§ MR. W. H. SMITH (Strand, Westminster)asked the Secretary of State for War, If it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to withdraw Her Majesty's troops from the posts they have occupied on the Nile Railway, and from Wady Halfa, to Assouan; if it is intended to abandon the Nile Railway, and the frontier at Wady Halfa, or whether they are to be held by Egyptian troops; and whether, if so, the course proposed has had the unreserved concurrence of the Khedival Government, and has been recommended by the English and Turkish Commissioners now in Egypt; when the decision arrived at will take effect; what forces at present constitute the Army of Occupation in Egypt; and, what will be the strength and composition of the troops which will remain there?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) (Stirling, &c.)In answer to the right hon. Gentleman, I have to state that it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government gradually and with due regard to local circumstances to withdraw Her Majesty's troops to Assouan. The frontier at Wady Halfa would then be held by Egyptian troops. This decision has been arrived at by Her Majesty's Government on their own responsibility; and they will be ready to make to Parliament at the proper time such communication of details as may be required. With regard to the matter of 1491 fact as to which the right hon. Gentleman inquires, the number of our forces in Egypt, by the latest Report, was 17,108 officers and men.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered that portion of my Question relating to the railways. I should also like to know when the decision arrived at will take effect?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI have stated that Her Majesty's troops are to be withdrawn from Wady Halfa to Assouan. The right hon. Gentleman can judge for himself what effect that will have upon the railway. As to the other Question, we shall have regard to local circumstances.