HC Deb 12 December 1956 vol 562 cc419-20
43. Major Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that all British subjects who want to leave Egypt and cannot afford to pay for a passage will be able to do so; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

The Swiss special representative in Egypt has been given authority to advance the necessary travelling expenses to almost all categories of British subjects who wish to leave Egypt and cannot afford the fare. There is a temporary exception in the case of those Maltese who are not admissible to Malta, whose ultimate destination is being urgently considered. The Swiss representative is authorised to pay them financial relief in the meantime.

As far as transport is concerned, the Swiss representative considers that scheduled sea and air services will be sufficient to remove all British subjects who wish to leave. He has been informed, however, that should it appear that departures of British subjects are being held up by lack of transport, Her Majesty's Government will provide extra transport for the purpose.

Major Wall

Will my hon. Friend consider sending a ship to Alexandria to evacuate all British personnel who want to leave? Is he aware of the difficulties being placed on the poorer sections of the British community who want to get out of Egypt? Is he aware that the joint fear, on the one side of Nasser's secret police and on the other side of mob violence when Nasser is overthrown, is making life in Egypt quite impossible?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that money will be forthcoming for people however poor who want to get away from Egypt at the present time.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Do I understand from the original reply that the Government do not regard the Maltese in Egypt as British subjects and entitled to assistance?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No. Any Maltese who do not return to Malta, or cannot be found homes in Australia or somewhere else where they may prefer to go, will be admitted into the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dugdale

The hon. Gentleman used the word "advance." Will he not give free passage to all those people who are forced to leave Egypt through a cause not of their own making?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I think the right hon. Gentleman knows the details of these kinds of cases, and I do not think I can add to the reply I have already given.

Mr. Dudley Williams

While I am sure the whole House will welcome the statement by my hon. Friend that finance will not cause any of these people to remain in Egypt should they want to get out, will my hon. Friend give consideration to the suggestion, and discuss it with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that the cost of bringing these people out of Egypt should be charged to the sterling balances of that country?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That is a rather different question, but I Will refer it to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask a question in the light of the hon. Gentleman's first Answer? He indicated that there are exceptions. Will he give the House some information about what he means by "almost all" will be given facilities? What are the exceptions?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I indicated in my Answer that there are certain Maltese who do not want to come to the United Kingdom. If we can find some other place for them to go, which would be more acceptable to them, we shall do so.

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