§ 75. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of any privileges enjoyed by Sir Sayed Ali El Mirghani under the Sudan Govern- 37 ment; and whether any countenance is given by the Sudan Government to the agents of Sir Sayed Ali in collecting religious alms from the people of the Sudan?
Mr. SAMUELSo far as I am aware Sir Sayed Ali El Mirghani only enjoys such courtesy privileges as are accorded to other great religious leaders in the Sudan. The Sudan Government do not impose restrictions upon voluntary offerings which the followers of such leaders have always been in the habit of making to the heads of their respective sects.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the forces of the British Government are not used to ensure the collection of these alms?
Mr. SAMUELI should not like to give an answer to that question off-hand without more information than I have, but if the hon. Gentleman will put a question down I will make it my business to get the information for him as soon as may be
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIs it not a well-known fact that members of the Sherieffian family, who are descendants of the Prophet, always collect alms from their supporters in all Mohammedan countries?