§ 48. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister what consultations he has had with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers on the question of the Suez Canal.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement I made yesterday.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that his statement yesterday has only created confusion? Is he aware that the Manchester Guardian financial correspondent says today that the business world is in confusion as a result of the statement yesterday, and that people trading with Egypt do not know what to do, and that the restrictions are unworkable? Is not this the first proof of the failure of the economic war against Egypt?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that was the point of the Question, which asked about consulting Commonwealth Governments.
§ Mr. BellengerI do not know whether the Prime Minister is making a statement on this matter today, but is he aware that he gave a specific answer on the point of the destroyers which seemed to indicate that it was within the province of the British Navy? Is the right hon. Gentleman still of that opinion?
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing further to say. Perhaps if the right hon. Gentleman wants an answer to that question it can be raised tomorrow, when there will be a discussion.