§ 44. Sir J. Lucasasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Egyptian funds in this country are now being frozen; and whether he will charge any relief given to British refugees expelled from Egypt against such assets.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAs regards the first part of the Question, the use of Egyptian funds has been subject to restrictions since 27th July; and as regards the second part, the answer is "No, Sir".
§ Mr. SnowWould it not be possible to give a small grant out of these funds for the relief of Egyptian victims of our intervention in Egypt?
§ Sir J. LucasIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that a large number of these people are faced with absolute ruin? Are we to do anything about it? If so, will the British taxpayers pay for it or the Egyptians?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithMy hon. Friend will appreciate that there has not been a seizure of Egyptian funds. They are subject to negative control, preventing the owners from dealing with them as they please, but they have not been seized. As to the position of the expelled British nationals who have no funds over here, I am sure that my hon. Friend will have heard the statement by the Foreign Secretary on that subject yesterday afternoon.