§ 48. Captain Soamesasked the Minister of Defence what military equipment has 204 been sent by this country to Egypt during the past 12 months; and what commitments are outstanding at the present time for the further despatch of such equipment.
§ Mr. ShinwellI have nothing to add to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member for Blackpool, North (Mr. Low), and other hon. Members on 22nd and 29th November, 1950. Since then the only equipment supplied to Egypt has been normal maintenance requirements and spare parts. The supply to Egypt of important items of equipment of modern types has been suspended.
§ Captain SoamesDoes that include the destroyer "Cottesmore," whose name, I believe, has been changed to the "Ibrahim el Awal"?
§ Mr. ShinwellI think that question might be put on the Order Paper.
§ Captain RyderCould we have an answer to this question of the "Cottesmore," as we are very short of escort vessels at the present time?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman wishes a reply on some detailed matter, perhaps he will put a Question down. This Question is framed in very general terms and I have given a general answer.
§ Mr. A. R. W. LowIn the right hon. Gentleman's answer to me there was no mention of a ship such as H.M.S. "Cottesmore."
§ Mr. ShinwellPrecisely. There is no mention of a ship in the Question.
§ Captain SoamesDid the right hon. Gentleman not say that no major item of military equipment would in future be shipped to Egypt; and is a destroyer not a major item of military equipment?
§ Mr. ShinwellI will repeat what I said in the latter part of my reply. The supply to Egypt of important items of equipment of modern types has been suspended. That is what I said, and by that I stand.