HC Deb 20 June 1956 vol 554 cc1406-7
10. Sir D. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total British commitment towards the cost of the Aswan Dam.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The question of a British contribution towards the cost of the Aswan Dam is still under discussion and no final commitment has yet been made.

Sir D. Gammans

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say that any advances made to the Egyptian Government will come from their blocked sterling balances and will not affect in any way the amount of capital that we are able to invest in any part of the Commonwealth?

Mr. Lloyd

I should like my hon. Friend to give me notice of that question.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the Foreign Secretary give an assurance that, before any final commitment which may involve expenditure by Her Majesty's Government is made, the House might be consulted on the propriety of expenditure of this sort?

Mr. Lloyd

I should certainly like to consider the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

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