HC Deb 26 May 1954 vol 528 cc396-7
40 and 41. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) how many British ships have been interfered with by Egypt in their passage through the Suez Canal since the Security Council's Resolution in 1951, calling upon her to terminate her restrictions on international shipping and goods going through this canal; and how many of these ships have been carrying goods destined for Israel;

(2) on how many occasions the Resolution of the Security Council of the United Nations, passed on 1st September, 1951, and supported by Her Majesty's Government, has been defied by Egypt since that date.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Douglas Dodds-Parker)

I have no reliable information about foreign ships, but I understand that few have been delayed or prevented from passing through the Canal since the Security Council's Resolution of 1st September, 1951. However, it is well known that certain cargoes for Israel are held to be contraband by the Egyptian authorities, and these are not now normally shipped through the Suez Canal. As my right hon. and learned Friend told the House on 25th January, only two British ships have been held up since the Security Council Resolution was adopted, and in neither case was the vessel concerned carrying goods destined for Israel.

Mr. Johnson

Does not my hon. Friend think the time has come for more vigorous action than resolutions and representations for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of both the Canal Convention of 1888 and the Security Council Resolution of 1951 and also for protecting British ships?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Her Majesty's Government are taking all diplomatic action which is open to them. We are working through the United Nations. We think that this is the way to deal with the situation instead of dealing with it unilaterally.

Mr. H. Morrison

Are we to understand that the policy of the Government is much the same as that of the Labour Government, which was loudly condemned by the Opposition at the time?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I should very much doubt that.