HC Deb 21 June 1948 vol 452 cc934-5
29. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the name of a British citizen was not submitted by the British Government-nominated directors of the Suez Canal Company in connection with the vacancy recently due to be filled on the Board of that company.

Mr. McNeil

I am not clear to what vacancy the hon. Member is referring. If he has in mind the vacancy recently filled by Mr. Tuck, formerly United States Ambassador at Cairo, I must point out that under the Suez Canal Company's constitution the nomination is made by the president, who is a Frenchman.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Is it not right that under the constitution the administrators may make nominations? Is it not right, for example, that last year the president himself was replaced on the nomination of the administrators? Is there no Englishman who can do this job on the Suez Canal Company? Is this part of the price we have to pay for the Americans giving us a little charity?

Mr. McNeil

May I be permitted to say that the hon. Gentleman is, of course, completely misinformed? There are three separate methods of membership, and this country has its legitimate and proper representation on the Board. This was not a nomination arising under our interest.