HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 cc820-2
35. Mr. Peyton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions he has had with the Egyptian Government on the future of the Suez Canal; if he is satisfied that the use of this international waterway will not be obstructed; and if, in order to dispel present apprehensions on this subject, he will make a statement

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)

There have been no discussions between Her Majesty's Government and the Egyptian Government

Mr. Peyton

Why not? Would my right hon. Friend not agree that the recent conduct of Colonel Nasser gives nobody any grounds for confidence in him as custodian of an international waterway? Does my right hon. Friend not think that Her Majesty's Government would be well advised now to raise this matter with the U.S. Government and others interested in Western Europe in order that the future of this waterway may be satisfactorily settled at an early date?

Mr. Nutting

I am, of course, aware of the importance of making satisfactory arrangements for the future of the Canal when the concession expires in 1968. Before then we shall certainly want to talk to the Egyptian Government, but the first step is to obtain some idea of the physical and commercial nature of the problem which is likely to exist by then. The Suez Canal Company, with the encouragement of the British directors on the Committee of Direction, is now undertaking careful study of this problem

Mr. Robens

Is not the real point behind this Question the obstruction by the Egyptians of traffic going to Israel? Has the right hon. Gentleman raised that matter recently?

Mr. Nutting

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the best way to settle that problem is to get a settlement between Israel and her Arab neighbours, and Her Majesty's Government's position is on record in that matter. As to the traffic through the Canal, I am glad to say that the tonnage passing through is greater now than ever before, regardless of the restrictions placed upon it

Mr. Peyton

Does my right hon. Friend not accept the point that is worrying the House and public opinion, namely, that the recent conduct of the Egyptian Government in connection with the Suez Canal has been wholly unsatisfactory, has been in breach of international law and in breach of treaty, and that it is really high time that Colonel Nasser, instead of behaving like a buccaneer, should be brought to book?

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Government's position on this matter is on record, and I have nothing to add to it

Mr. H. Morrison

The right hon. Gentleman has referred to 1968 rather as an indication that some time between now and then would be time enough. I do not wish to hurry the right hon. Gentleman unduly, but may I ask him whether it was not the case that when the Government moved from the Suez Canal Zone, which hon. Members opposite would have called "scuttle", it was in their minds that this would lead to a better situation vis-à-vis the use of the Suez Canal? When are the Government going to assert British and other international rights in respect of the use of the Suez Canal, instead of going on like this?

Mr. Nutting

As the right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well, the restriction placed by Egypt in the Suez Canal on Israeli ships and strategic cargoes for Israel arises out of the state of war between Egypt and Israel. The only way of remedying that situation is to get a settlement between Israel and her Arab neighbours

Captain Waterhouse

Did not right hon. Gentlemen opposite refer this matter to the United Nations and did not the Security Council give a very definite ruling on it? Is my right hon. Friend aware that nothing whatever has happened since and that that is the gravamen of our charge?

Mr. Nutting

I do not dispute for a moment my right hon. and gallant Friend's account of the history of the matter

Mr. Robens

Now that the Security Council is dealing with the Middle East, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to discuss this matter to see whether or not the resolution of the United Nations will be carried out?

Mr. Nutting

We are expecting Mr. Hammarskjold's report on his visit to the Middle East, and I should prefer not to anticipate his recommendations

Mr. Robens

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this will not arise out of the report of the Secretary-General? Will the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the British Government and of all of us, when the Hammarskjold report is being discussed, raise the question of the use of the Suez Canal by ships travelling to the State of Israel?

Mr. Nutting

I should prefer not to anticipate what questions Her Majesty's Government will raise when this matter is discussed

Mr. Peyton

In view of the very great importance of this matter and of the great interest in it, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment