HC Deb 21 July 1954 vol 530 cc1359-60
45. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish details of how far strategic interest in the Suez Canal zone is now shared with us by the United States Government.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Harry Crookshank)

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister, in his speech in the foreign affairs debate, made specific reference to joint strategic interests involved in the Suez Canal zone? Is it possible to have details? Have the Government now abandoned the conception of the Middle East defence organisation?

Mr. Crookshank

That is quite another question. My right hon. Friend has got nothing to add to what he said on the subject in that debate, of which I am aware.

Mr. Shinwell

I am aware that the Prime Minister always has nothing to add to any question that is put to him. What I want to know is what is meant by the reference the right hon. Gentleman made during the foreign affairs debate to joint strategic interests. That is what I am asking. Have the Government abandoned the conception of the Middle East defence organisation, which is related to strategic interests?

Mr. Crookshank

If my right hon. Friend has nothing to add on this subject, I certainly have not.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman has nothing to add to any of the Prime Minister's answers on this question because he knows nothing about the subject at all?

Sir T. Moore

That is rather cheap, is it not?