HC Deb 26 November 1956 vol 561 cc9-11
9. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are his present plans for establishing peaceful relations with Egypt.

Commander Noble

It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to work through both the United Nations and diplomatic channels for a satisfactory settlement of the problems of the Middle East. This would include the restoration of normal peaceful relations with Egypt.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that the British Commonwealth and the whole civilised world are waiting for the return of the present Government to the rule of law in international affairs—a rule from which they wantonly departed? When are they going to return to it?

Commander Noble

It is the long-term objective of Her Majesty's Government to have good relations with all States, and means of achieving this with Egypt must be worked out in the context of a general settlement.

Sir F. Medlicott

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is no need for the Government to be afraid of being accused of appeasement here? We are a strong and powerful nation compared with Egypt. Surely it is not beyond the resources of statesmanship for us to have the courage to make the first gesture.

Commander Noble

While, as I have just said, it is the long-term objective that we should have good relations with all States, I cannot think that the recent expulsion of British nationals provides a good basis for them with Egypt.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the right gesture for us to make, if we want United Nations support, is to obey the Resolutions of the United Nations?

Several Hon. Members rose

—

Mr. Speaker

We must pass on. We cannot, on every Question, debate this matter.

Mr. Griffiths

But, Mr. Speaker, are we to take it that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agrees with me?

Commander Noble

I think the Government's position on this has been made quite clear both in the United Nations by my right hon. Friend and last Thursday here by the Lord Privy Seal.

Mr. Fell

On a point of order. If the eloquence of right hon. Members on the Opposition Front Bench can persuade you, Mr. Speaker, to allow a little further elasticity on this Question, would it not be possible for a back bencher to say something?

Mr. Speaker

It is always possible. However, I must ask the House not to turn every Question into a debate on this matter. After all, sitting in this Chair I seem to have heard a great deal about this matter in the last three weeks. We must proceed with Questions, because the right to ask Questions is a right very valuable to private Members, and it ought to be proceeded with.

Mr. S. Silverman

In view of the extreme importance of the two Questions that have just been asked, and of others like them on the Paper, is there any way in which the House could secure the attendance of a senior Minister to answer them?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a matter for me.