§ 52. Mr. A. R. W. Lowasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has asked the Egyptian Government to help in reducing thefts of British Army stores in Egypt; and what has been the result of his request
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesNo, Sir. The British military authorities in Egypt are in close contact with the appropriate Egyptian authorities on this matter and receive valuable co-operation from them. An approach to the Egyptian Government on the diplomatic level is not considered necessary.
§ Mr. LowIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the appalling losses suffered in Egypt in 1948 and 1949, recently disclosed in the Army Appropriation Account, and will he reconsider this matter to see 1409 whether by approaching the Egyptian Government at diplomatic level he can get something done about it?
§ Mr. DaviesThe situation has substantially improved since 1948. Steps have been taken, and the situation now is considered far more satisfactory.
§ Mr. MikardoConsidering that we gave away millions of pounds worth of military stores to the Egyptians, why should we go to the trouble of stopping them from pinching a bit more?