HC Deb 20 May 1957 vol 570 cc842-3
16. Mr. Peyton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals he intends to make to the United States Government concerning the future of the Suez Canal Users' Association.

Commander Noble

Any such proposals would appropriately be put to the Suez Canal Users' Association Council, which reviews from time to time the work of the Association. As the Prime Minister said on 13th May, the Association will be a valuable instrument, which the user countries intend to keep alive. It provides a means for the major user Governments to consult and concert policies in the coming months, when they will be closely watching the operation of the Canal.

Mr. Peyton

Does not my right hon. Friend feel that it would be appropriate to remind the American Government or the Secretary of State—who, after all, was largely responsible for the formation of the Association—of the existence of the Association and also of his responsibility to make the Association an effective one?

Commander Noble

The United States Government are, of course, well aware of the existence of the Association and agree that it should be kept alive.