HC Deb 04 February 1952 vol 495 cc640-1
49. Mr. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to protect British nationals employed in Egypt as teachers, lecturers, inspectors and professors; and whether he will take steps to see that the contract rights which these men have with the Egyptian Government are fully secured.

Mr. Eden

His Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo has repeatedly drawn the attention of the Egyptian Government to their responsibility for the protection of the lives and property of all British nationals in Egypt. His representations have naturally included the position of these officials, about whose victimisation he addressed a Note in strong terms to the Egyptian Government as recently as 22nd January.

As for the steps taken to safeguard the legal rights of these officials, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Mr. Alport) on 30th January, in which I stated that His Majesty's Government accepted responsibility for their financial assistance.