HC Deb 02 November 1954 vol 532 cc190-1
19. Sir Edward Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, since 1951, when Egypt repudiated the 1936 Treaty, the customs duty payable thereunder upon wines, spirits, etc., imported by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for sale to British troops has, though not passed on to the Egyptian Government, been collected from the buyers in case it should be decided later to pass it on; the total amount so collected and what has been done with it; and whether, as Egypt has now waived the duty, the money will be handed to British service welfare and benevolent organisations.

25. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War how he proposes to dispose of the customs duty collected from British troops in the Canal Zone, now that Egypt has waived any claims to this money.

Mr. Head

The settlement with Egypt involved the waiver not only of the claim against the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes but also claims by N.A.A.F.I. The net amount has not yet been determined. It will be used for the benefit of all three Services.