HC Deb 23 April 1958 vol 586 cc942-3
28. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the progress that is being made regarding the discussions with the Egyptian Government pertaining to the nationalisation of the Suez Canal, compensation and matters connected with the recent war with Egypt.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Representatives of the shareholders of the Suez Canal Company have been holding talks with the Egyptian Government, with the assistance of representatives of the International Bank. These talks have not yet been concluded, and I cannot make a statement.

The Anglo-Egyptian financial talks in Rome about British property in Egypt have not yet been concluded. The present position is that the Egyptian Government are considering the position reached in the last round of discussions.

Mr. Lewis

I thank the Minister for that reply, which does not contain a lot of information. May we be told when he hopes to be able to give a reply to a similar Question which will give us some information of the progress regarding the various matters mentioned in this Question?

Mr. Lloyd

As soon as possible.