§ 65. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether work has ceased on both the Blue and White Nile dams; what was the original estimate for the cost of the two dams, respectively, and what is the present estimated cost; how much money has actually been spent to date on each dam; whether there is any financial liability in respect of either falling upon the British Treasury under the Soudan Loan Act of 1919; and, if so, what is the annual charge for interest which was guaranteed by the British Government?
Mr. HARMSWORTHAs the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ The following is the answer:
§ Work on the White Nile dam has been suspended, but is proceeding on the Blue Nile weir. According to information recently submitted to the Egyptian Government, the White Nile dam was summarily estimated in 1914 to cost £E. 1,000,000, but this estimate was made before any complete examination of the site had been effected. In 1918 the figure was revised to £E. 1,700,000, and in 1919 to £E.2,200,000. The latest estimate for the dam itself, exclusive of subsidiary works which its construction would in- 893 volve, amounts to £E.5,700,000. The Blue Nile weir and Gezira canalisation project was estimated in 1916 to cost £E.2,550,000, and in 1919 this estimate was revised to £E.3,500,000. The latest estimate amounts to £E.8,252,800. Actual expenditure up to the 31st March last on the White Nile dam amounted to about £E.556,000; that on the Blue Nile weir and canalisation scheme will amount on the 30th June to about £E.3,264,000. No financial liability in respect of the White Nile dam is incurred by the British Treasury. The contingent liability of His Majesty's Government in respect of the guarantee under the Soudan Loan Act, 1919, of interest on loans raised by the Soudan Government, is £350,000 sterling per annum.