§ 9. Mr. Patrick Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many attacks by shooting or with the use of explosives have been made on British installations or civil or military personnel in the Suez Canal Zone during the past year.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydOne hundred and two.
§ Mr. MaitlandWill my right hon. and learned Friend say when the Government will give authority to the British Commander on the spot to take adequate reprisals to protect the lives of his men?
§ Mr. LloydI do not think that the word "reprisals" is an appropriate one in this connection. Steps are taken to protect the lives of British personnel. But I agree with my hon. Friend that this is a very bad record indeed. It is one which is the subject of constant representations to the Egyptian Government and it is a matter which makes negotiations extremely difficult.