Dr. RUTHERFORDasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations are on foot for the prolongation of the Suez Canal Company's concession until 2014; and, if so, what steps he proposes taking to obtain the sanction of the Egyptian people to this extension of the present lease?
§ Sir E. GREYNegotiations have been proceeding between the Egyptian Government and the Suez Canal Company for the extension of the existing concession until 31st December of 2008. I am informed that the General Assembly will be specially convoked to give its opinion before the arrangement is definitely concluded.
Dr. RUTHERFORDMay I ask if this House will have an opportunity of discussing the lease before the negotiations are concluded?
§ Sir E. GREYNo, I do not think there can be an opportunity. Does the hon. Member mean in regard to Egypt?
§ Sir E. GREYI do not think there will be an opportunity of discussing it before the negotiations are actually concluded. It is not a matter which is under the control of His Majesty's Government. The hon. Member knows that His Majesty's Government are to have three official representatives.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONMay I ask whether the Legislative Council will have any voice in the matter, and whether the terms of the lease will be laid before them?
§ Sir E. GREYI am not aware that the Legislative Council will have any voice in the matter. I will inquire about that.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONMay I ask whether, if it is laid before the General Assembly, that will give the people any effective voice in the matter at all? Is it not a fact that they can merely give an expression of opinion and have no influence in the matter?
§ Sir E. GREYI do not know that an expression of opinion by the General Assembly will have less force than an expression of opinion by the Legislative Council.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONIs it not the case that recent expressions of opinion by 1976 the Legislative Council have been taken into consideration, and have led to modifications in the direction of the proposals made by the Council? Has anything of that kind ever been done in connection with the General Assembly?
§ Sir E. GREYThat would not prevent the same course being followed with regard to expressions of opinion by the General Assembly.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONWill the right hon. Gentleman recommend to the Egyptian Government that the Legislative Council should have an opportunity of expressing an opinion?
§ Sir E. GREYI am not at all clear whether they will have an opportunity of expressing an opinion. If the hon. Member wishes further information I would ask him to give notice of a question, and I will consider the point.