§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether information has readied Her Majesty's Government, from trustworthy sources, tending to show that the opening of one or more ports on the Red Sea north and south of Suakin would tend to the development of trade with the interior, and promote the pacification of the Soudan tribes; and, whether the Government will take the matter into consideration, with a view to the attainment of the above objects?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)The coast to the north of Suakin has been open to trade for several months. The question of opening to trade the coast to the south is under consideration, with the view indicated by my hon. Friend; but it is attended with some difficulty.
§ In reply to a further Question by Mr. BRYCE,
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONsaid, that Sir Evelyn Baring, as soon as he returned to Egypt, would pay particular I attention to this matter. He did not think he should be able, at any very early period, to make any further statement.