HC Deb 17 March 1952 vol 497 cc1925-6
50. Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions have been given to the United Kingdom delegation at the United Nations on the appeal of the Tunisian Government, sponsored by Asian, Arab and African nations, for intervention by the Security Council in the dispute between Tunisia and France.

Mr. Eden

The hon. Member presumably has in mind the letter to the President of the Security Council, signed by fifteen Asian, Arab and African States, drawing attention to the situation in Tunisia. This was circulated to the Council on the 1st February, but so far as I am aware, the matter has not been placed on the Security Council's agenda.

Mr. Brockway

I should like to welcome the right hon. Gentleman on his return to the House in good health. Might I ask him whether it is the view of Her Majesty's Government that the agreements with Tunisia in 1881 and 1882 allow for the rights of Tunisia as a State; whether his attention has been drawn to the report of events in the Cape Bon area by the Tunisian Ministers of State and Health; and whether he will be able to look at that report before this matter is handled by the United Nations?

Mr. Eden

I know that two Tunisian Ministers did make a report to the Tunisian Prime Minister on this matter. The hon. Gentleman is also very well informed when he draws attention to the Treaty of 1881, under which these matters are for French domestic jurisdiction. I think we should be well advised not to raise these topics now, in advance of whatever decision may be taken by the Security Council.

Sir H. Williams

On a point of order. Why is it that hon. Members can ask questions about Tunisia, over which we have no control, and yet cannot ask questions about railway fares, over which we ought to have some?

Mr. Speaker

Apparently the Foreign Secretary has accepted responsibility for this Question and, in the case of railway fares, Ministers have not.

Mr. Eden

I am not accepting responsibility.