HC Deb 21 July 1954 vol 530 c1355
36. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations with the Saudi Arabian Government regarding the dispute in Buraimi.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Our latest proposals for bringing about conditions in which a fair arbitration of this dispute can take place are now under discussion with the Saudi Government. Good progress has been made, and I am hopeful that agreement will shortly be reached. I trust the House will not press me to say anything further at this stage.

Mr. Brockway

I welcome that reply, but will the right hon. and learned Gentleman pay particular attention to the allegations of hunger, especially among children, in some of the villages which are said to be suffering from a blockade? Will he take immediate action to relieve those in necessity.

Mr. Lloyd

We have had very careful regard to that matter, and I can tell the House and the hon. Member that, according to our information, those allegations are quite untrue.