HC Deb 25 April 1956 vol 551 cc1769-70
24. Mr. H. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of changed political and economic circumstances, he will press for a review of the Nile Waters Agreement, 1929, and consequential Agreements, and at the same time concert with the interested Powers for the setting up of an international Nile valley authority.

Mr. Nutting

It is clear that a review of the Nile Waters Agreement, 1929, will be needed. An essential preliminary is a settlement of outstanding questions between the Egyptian and Sudanese Governments. I understand that discussions between the two Governments are proceeding.

Mr. Fraser

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that, so far as one can see from the Press, there is complete disagreement between the Governments of Egypt and the Sudan, and that before the Aswan Dam project is put into operation we should see that the whole matter is reorganised, and that there is throughout the Nile Valley a common authority?

Mr. Nutting

I have already answered questions about Sudanese interests, and I can assure the House that the agreement between the International Bank and the Government of Egypt is dependent on the prior agreement of the Sudanese.

Mr. J. Johnson

Since the Ethiopian Government are now obviously following an expansionist policy in the Upper Nile Valley, can the right hon. Gentleman say what talks there have been with Ethiopia on this matter, particularly as there has just been a mission in Addis Ababa to discuss the action of the Ethiopian Government in this connection?

Mr. Nutting

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question about Ethiopian interests in this matter. I have been dealing with the Sudanese.

Mr. Braise

As my right hon. Friend has indicated that negotiations are going ahead with the Egyptian Government on this subject, can he say whether any consultations have taken place with the Governments of Uganda and Kenya to ascertain what views they have on a subject which touches their interests very closely?

Mr. Nutting

The answer to my hon. Friend's supplementary question is "Yes".

Mr. Fraser

Owing to the general interest throughout the House on this subject, I give notice that I propose to raise it on the Adjournment.