HC Deb 20 March 1890 vol 342 c1251
SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL&c) (Kirkcaldy,

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the importation of grain from the Red Sea ports into the Soudan has been till recently prohibited and blockaded; whether, even now, when famine has resulted, this prohibition has not been wholly removed, but only in regard to certain ports; and whether the Soudan, beyond the coast ports held by Egypt, has been really abandoned, or whether efforts have still been made to starve the Soudanese into submission; or, what has been the object of the blockade?

* SIR J. FERGUSSON

There has been no restriction on the grain trade at Suakin for over two years. Trade is allowed at all ports where there are Custom Houses. A special permit is, how over, required for Trinkitat. No efforts are being made to starve the Soudanese into submission. The object of the blockade, which no longer exists, was to prevent supplies being sent to the dervishes who are threatening Suakin.

SIR G. CAMPBELL

Do I understand that there is now free trade in corn in regard to the Soudan?

* SIR J. FERGUSSON

Yes; grain can be imported freely.

SIR G. CAMPBELL

Is there any Customs duty upon it?

* SIR J. FERGUSSON

I believe there is no Customs duty upon it.