HC Deb 19 February 1957 vol 565 cc187-8
14. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of equipment and stores remaining in Egypt which belong to the United Kingdom; and what arrangements are being made for their return.

Mr. Hare

About 2,700 vehicles, 18,000 tons of ammunition and approximately 120,000 tons of other stores. Their return or compensation for them is a matter for discussion with the Egyptian Government in due course.

Mr. Shinwell

Has the Minister any hope that any of this material will be returned, and can he say whether any of the material is of any value?

Mr. Hare

A lot of it is of very considerable value. I cannot forecast what negotiations will, in fact, take place with the Egyptian Government.

Mr. Osborne

Can my right hon. Friend say how much the stores are really worth?

Mr. Hare

I have given an answer to that question earlier. The value is something in the neighbourhood of £60 million.