§ 15. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if negotiations will be resumed to secure a much needed early settlement of 762 Anglo-Egyptian differences about the Sudan in the common interests of all three parties concerned, now that there are definite proposals, British and Egyptian, about constitutional development in the Sudan.
Mr. McNeilThe position is not quite as my hon. Friend visualises it. The Sudan Government, it is true, have endorsed proposals for constitutional development in the Sudan which resulted from a conference attended by representative Sudanese and by members of the Sudan administration. His Majesty's Government have welcomed these proposals. The Egyptian Government have informed the Governor-General of certain amendments which they consider should be made, and the Governor-General now has these amendments under consideration. In these circumstances, it would be premature to consider the immediate resumption of Anglo-Egyptian negotiations on the Sudan.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no selling out of the right of self-determination of the Sudanese people?
Mr. McNeilThe assurances given by the Prime Minister and by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will not be departed from in any substance.