§ 23. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to increase British trade with Egypt and the Middle East.
§ Sir D. EcclesTrade with Egypt is at a standstill, and it is impossible to say when it will be resumed. Conditions in other Middle East countries vary, and my Department continues to help exporters and to interest them in opportunities for doing business wherever they arise.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that while our trade with Egypt is at a standstill, there is a West German trade drive going on in Egypt and the Middle East which is said to be financed by American capital, and that the Germans are having an industrial exhibition in Cairo next month? Is not this one of the results of the Government's disastrous Suez policy?
§ Sir D. EcclesThe Egyptian Government have prohibited the conclusion of contracts with British nationals. Therefore, it is necessary to make a general financial and political settlement with the Egyptian Government before trade can be restored.
Mr. T. WilliamsWill the right hon. Gentleman consider inviting the Under-Secretary of State for War to go to Egypt to help us with this trade?