HC Deb 15 June 1954 vol 528 cc1718-20
22. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for War for a statement on the circumstances of the murder in Egypt of Private Smelt, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, whose home was in Stockton-on-Tees.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Antony Head)

Full investigation into this case is still going on. As soon as I have the report, I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the Secretary of State say whether he is receiving the fullest co-operation from the Egyptian authorities in tracing the perpetrators of this outrage?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. The strongest representations about this case have been made by Her Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo, but that, I think, is a separate thing from the inquiry we are also making in the Zone.

23. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the murder of Private J. Vaux at Ismailia on 30th May, with the connivance of an Egyptian driver employed by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, what steps he is now taking to ensure that the Army and ancillary services do not recruit hostile persons for their service.

Mr. Head

Every possible precaution is taken by carefully screening Egyptian civil labour employed by the Army and by ancillary services such as N.A.A.F.I. This particular man had been employed almost continually since 1946. A most careful inquiry into the incident is now being held. I do not want to say any more until I have seen the report.

24. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for War what escort was provided for the lorry on which Private J. Vaux was murdered at Ismailia on 30th May.

Mr. Head

Private Vaux was himself acting as escort to the Egyptian driver of this lorry. He was armed and was travelling in convoy with another vehicle, which carried another armed British soldier.

Mr. Mikardo

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what happened to the other vehicle and how it came about that this Egyptian driver was able to drive his vehicle off route without any assistance from the other vehicle in the convoy?

Mr. Head

The other vehicle was in front. This vehicle was following and the Egyptian driver turned off. We are trying to find out why, in those circumstances, it was impossible for an armed guard to stop him. It was a straight road and he turned off it to the right. I am really worried and upset about the incident, but I would rather not say more until we have had a full inquiry.

Mr. Mikardo

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the trouble he has taken. May I ask him to let us have the results of this inquiry as soon as possible?

Mr. Head

indicated assent.