EGYPT (SUEZ CANAL)

HC Deb 06 May 1957 vol 569 cc636-7

52. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now prepared to make a statement on the future of the Suez Canal; what advice he has given to British shipping as to its use; and in what currencies will dues be paid.

63. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the recent consultations with other interested governments on the recent declaration of the Government of Egypt with regard to the Suez Canal.

Mr. Ian Harvey

It would not be appropriate to make a statement at this juncture as discussions are still in progress.

Mr. Grimond

There seems to be something familiar about that answer. Is it not the case that there is a ship at the end of the Canal which has been advised that it can make the payment of dues in dollars—a British ship?

Mr. Harvey

I am not aware of any advice tendered to any ship on the question of making payment in dollars.

Mr. Paget

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the "Maria Vittoria", a registered English ship, is proceeding through the Canal at dawn tomorrow and paying dues in dollars. If so, what does he propose to do about it?

Mr. Harvey

With regard to the "Maria Vittoria", alias the "Vergport", I understand that the ship is under an Italian master. The tolls which are being paid in dollars are being paid by the Panamanian charterer, in accordance with the normal practice for vessels under peacetime charter, and, therefore, it has nothing to do with us.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is my hon. Friend aware that as far as ordinary citizens are concerned, we have never been able to establish that the Egyptian Government is at any time prepared to accept payment in its own currency, which seems to display a strange confidence in it?

Mr. Harvey

That is another question.

Mr. Paget

Does the hon. Member really say that we are not concerned whatever as to what is done by a ship bearing the British flag?

Mr. Harvey

This ship is under charter, and the hon. and learned Gentleman knows perfectly well what are the arrangements in those circumstances.