§ 7. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for -Foreign Affairs if he is aware that a body called the Supreme Committee of Security, consisting of seven members including three nominated by the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior and three by British security authorities in Egypt, has been set up to combat Communism; that substantial British funds have been made available to this committee; and if he has any statement to make.
§ Mr. BevinI have no knowledge of the existence of any such committee. No representatives of the British Defence Security authorities are on any such committee, and no British Government funds have been available for such purposes.
§ Mr. PiratinIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a statement published in Egypt not so long ago declared that this country had allowed£150,000 (Egyptian) for the expenses of this committee, and, if he is not aware of it, may I ask him why he is not aware and if he will take steps to become aware of it?
§ Mr. BevinMy hon. Friend knows how little regard I pay to this information in certain sections of the Press.