§ MR. W. H. SMITH (Strand, Westminster)asked the Secretary of State for War, If the light draught steamers which were sent out to Egypt by the War Department for service on the Nile have been withdrawn in safety below Wady Halfa; and, whether it is proposed to hand over any of them to the Egyptian Government?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN)&c.) (Stirling,The three Thornycroft stern-wheel steamers, which I presume are those to which my right hon. Friend refers, have never been south of the First Cataract. They are at present at, or north of, Assouan. These boats are officered, manned, and properly cared for. I am not aware of any intention of handing them over to the Egyptian Government.