HC Deb 12 March 1958 vol 584 cc427-8
57. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware that six United Kingdom ships grounded in the Suez Canal during the last six months; and what information he has as to whether these or other accidents were due to silting up of the canal or other obstructions of the waterway.

Mr. Neave

I have made inquiries into these groundings, but there is no definite information to show that the condition of the canal contributed to any of them.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Since the Suez Canal is now controlled by a Government with which Her Majesty's Government are not in diplomatic relations and contrary to international agreement, can my hon. Friend state what are the arrangements for informing British shipmasters of conditions and possible dangers in the Canal?

Mr. Neave

I do not think I can embark on a discusion of that aspect of the matter, but if my hon. Friend will put down a Question dealing with the point I shall be glad to answer it.

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