HC Deb 25 April 1956 vol 551 cc1752-3
5. Mr. Grant-Ferris

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the negotiations of Her Majesty's Ambassador in Tel Aviv with the Israeli Government, with a view to obtaining the release of blocked funds in Israel belonging to Mrs. Eva Barbour and other persons.

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Ambassador raised the question of British commercial debts and blocked balances in Israel with the Israeli Prime Minister on 24th October, 1955. Mrs Barbour's case was included. The Israeli Government replied in December, 1955, that they had always given sympathetic consideration to British claims where hardship was involved, but that in view of their limited foreign exchange resources, they could not agree to a general transfer of capital items as we had suggested.

Mr. Grant-Ferris

Has my right hon. Friend had his attention drawn to the letter by my constituent, Mrs. Barbour, in The Times recently, and the very unsatisfactory reply which it provoked from the legation? Does he not think that if Israel wishes to improve relations with the British Government it should do something to see that British subjects get justice?

Mr. Nutting

We shall certainly pursue these matters, but once again, this is a matter for a foreign Government, and we are not in a position to dictate to them what their currency regulations should be.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Pitman. Question No. 6.

Mr. Orbach

On a point of order. I rose on two occasions, Mr. Speaker, to address a supplementary question to the Minister of State on Question No. 5, but apparently I did not catch your eye.

Mr. Speaker

Does the hon. Gentleman wish to ask another supplementary question on that Question?

Mr. Orbach

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that we have now passed Question No. 5. Mr. Pitman.