HC Deb 10 July 1922 vol 156 c835
56. Mr. HANNON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the important effect on British commercial interests in the Sudan, he can state the present arrangements made with the Egyptian Government regarding the water supply of the Nile?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

In May of last year the Egyptian Government agreed to the completion of the Blue Nile scheme, on condition that the area to be brought under cultivation should not exceed 300,000 acres, and that in continuing the work the Sudan Government should bear the entire responsibility.

Mr. HANNON

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that we have lost our hold on Egypt, and that everything possible should be done to maintain our hold on the Sudan?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I can assure my hon. Friend that that matter is very much in mind at the present time.