§ SIR HENRY TYLER (Great Yarmouth)asked the Secretary of State for War, What, according to the latest Reports received, is the condition of affairs at Suakin; what is the supposed number in men and guns of the besieging force, and for what length of time their attack has been proceeding; and, what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking for the security of Suakin and the dispersion of the besiegers?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)634 According to the latest Reports received, the state of affairs at Suakin was as follows. A dervish force of 1,500 men, with a few horsemen and six guns, has, since the 18th of September, been investing the town. Unsuccessful night attacks were made on the Water Forts on the 26th of September and 30th of October. General Grenfell has proceeded to Suakin with four guns; he probably arrived there last Monday. The responsibility for the defence of Suakin rests, not with the British, but with the Egyptian Government, who have sent reinforcements to that place.