HC Deb 06 May 1958 vol 587 cc1029-30
64. Mr. Peyton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new proposals he has to make concerning the compensation of British subjects for the losses incurred by them when they were expelled from Egypt in 1956; and what are his intentions with regard to the release of Egypt's sterling balances following the agreement between the Egyptian Government and the Suez Canal Company.

Mr. Amory

I have no new proposals to announce at present. The Egyptian Government are still considering proposals put to them in February and March of this year. No question of making a special release from Egypt's sterling balances will arise until the present negotiations with Egypt for the settlement of claims for compensation for British citizens have been concluded.

Mr. Peyton

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that these people have shown a patience almost as great as the losses and hardship they have suffered, and I am sure he will be aware that they are looking to him still with some hope that their very just claims will be met as soon as possible?

Mr. Amory

I will take note of what my hon. Friend has said.

Sir G. Nicholson

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind the claims of those officials, formerly employed by the Egyptian Government, who were dismissed in 1951?

Mr. Amory

I will take that into account.

Mr. Monslow

Will the right hon. Gentleman also recognise that a large Egyptian market has been lost which has caused a volume of unemployment in the country, particularly in the steel industry?

Mr. Amory

I will take all relevant factors into account.

Back to
Forward to