HC Deb 24 February 1943 vol 387 cc146-7
10. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the Suez Canal is now managed; the number of directors acting; how many are British; what other countries have Directors on the Board; and where are the permanent headquarters?

Mr. Eden

As I stated on 21st October last in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) the effective control of the Suez Canal Company is now wholly in the hands of the London Directors, who are eight in number, and who are, of course, all British subjects. The Board, which now exercises no control, consists, in addition, of French, Egyptian and Dutch Directors. The permanent headquarters of the Company are in Paris.

Mr. Thorne

Is there still an annual report showing the tonnage and the finances of the Suez Canal?

Mr. Eden

I do not think so. I think those matters are kept secret now.

Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward

Does not my right hon. Friend think it would be advisable to retain this state of affairs after the war?