§ 20. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take to compensate those British officials formerly employed by the Egyptian Government who were dismissed by it in breach of contract and without compensation in 1951.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydAs was made clear in a reply given to the right hon. Member for Grimsby (Mr. Younger) on 12th December, compensation is the acknowledged responsibility of the Egyptian Government. On 4th January, I received a delegation of the Association of ex-officials of the Egyptian Government and their representations are being studied.
§ Mr. FraserWill my right hon. and learned Friend not agree that just as in the case of those—to whom compensation is being given—who have been deported by the Egyptian Government, this claim is also being disavowed by the Egyptian Government? Will my right hon. and learned Friend be sympathetic about it?
§ Mr. YoungerWhile fully recognising the need to maintain a claim against the Egyptian Government, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he does not appreciate that, as a result of recent events, there are bound to be almost endless claims and counter-claims under many headings? Is it not rather 899 unfair that these particular individuals should suffer? Could the Government not do something for this category pending eventual settlement with the Egyptian Government?
§ Mr. LloydThe right hon. Gentleman has himself stated one of the reasons why it may be impossible—because there are so many different classes of claims—but I have undertaken to consider the matter.