Association of British Communities in Egypt (Office)

HC Deb 14 February 1957 vol 564 cc1423-4

19. Major Wall

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what request he has had from the Association of the Councils of the British Communities in Egypt for financial assistance in order to set up an office in this country; and what was his reply.

Mr. Powell

The Association asked for an initial grant of £15,000 and assistance in obtaining office accommodation, but it was decided that no assistance could be given from public funds.

Major Wall

Does my hon. Friend not agree that the Association has a useful function in the vetting of British subjects from Egypt whose property has been sequestrated?

Mr. Powell

I am aware that the Association does that, but the difficulty is that these claims would have to be vetted by the Foreign Office in any case and a duplication of work would be involved.