§ MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of affairs in the Eastern Soudan, and in particular whether the famine is still raging there; and whether Her Majesty's Government see any hopes of effecting a pacification of the country which may prevent the recurrence of hostilities near Suakin, and lead to the re-opening of the trade route from Suakin to Berber? *SIR J. FERGUSSON: The latest Reports show that there is still much insecurity in the Eastern Soudan. The scarcity at the principal places has weakened the Dervish forces. Extreme distress is said to exist at Kassala. There are Dervish detachments still at Tokar and Handoub who control the districts adjoining and make occasional raids. Measures of relief will probably be necessary for the destitute people about Suakin for several months longer, but not to the same extent as at first. Work is given to those able to do it; the sick are treated in hospital; there have been many deaths. The Soudan Trading Company have made preliminary agreements with Native Chiefs for the cultivation of 450 cotton and with a view to open the trade route to Berber; but it is too early yet to judge what the result is likely to be.