HC Deb 03 March 1910 vol 14 c957
Mr. HAZLETON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could state whether the Egyptian Government would be bound by the decision of the General Assembly upon the question of the proposed extention of the lease of the Suez Canal?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

The General Assembly has only a consultative voice.

Mr. HAZLETON

asked if the right hon. Gentleman could state why the Suez Canal Company has sought to extend its lease of the Suez Canal till the year 2008, in view of the fact that the present lease does not expire till the year 1968?

Sir E. GREY

The object of the Suez Canal Company is understood to be to secure for its shareholders that their investment shall have a more permanent character than it possesses at present.

Mr. HAZLETON

asked how many shares His Royal Highness the Khedive of Egypt held in the Suez Canal Company, and what was their value?

Sir E. GREY

I am not aware that the Khedive possesses any shares.

Mr. BELLOC

Is there any public place where one can consult the list of shareholders in the Suez Canal Company?

Sir E. GREY

I do not know, but I will inquire.