HC Deb 21 October 1942 vol 383 cc1941-2
1. Mr. Hannah

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can hold out any hope of moving the head office of the Suez Canal Company to some place outside enemy jurisdiction?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

The fact that the Head Office is in occupied France is not of importance since the effective control of the Company no longer rests with the Head Office in Paris, but is wholly in the hands of the London Directors. The enemy cannot therefore exercise any influence over the operations of the Company. The British naval and military authorities in Egypt are responsible for all measures relating to the defence of the Canal itself.

Mr. Hannah

Do the Government feel that the position of the Company is altogether satisfactory?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, since it is wholly in the hands of the London directors.

Mr. W. Astor

Is it not a fact that the French employees of the company have given very loyal service?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir.