§ 37. Mr. Footasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Egyptian Government about the continuance of the blockade on shipping through the Suez Canal.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydLarge numbers of British ships, including tankers, have been and are still passing to and fro through the Suez Canal. I presume therefore that the hon. Member is referring to restrictions arising from the Egyptian embargo on the passage of certain cargoes to Israel. Every opportunity has been taken of keeping the Egyptian Government informed of the view of Her Majesty's Government that these restrictions are unjustified in present circumstances and contrary to the Security Council resolution of 1st September, 1951.
§ Mr. FootCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether a protest was made about the Israeli ship which was recently stopped going through the Canal, and has the Foreign Office considered the possibility of sending to the Egyptian Government copies of the speech delivered by the Foreign Secretary when he was in Opposition, or does he think that would not be helpful?
§ Mr. LloydNo doubt the speech to which the hon. Gentleman refers is the one made by my right hon. Friend, I think in June, 1951. Since then there has been a decision of the Security Council which alters the situation.