§ 22. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will enter into negotiations with the Egyptian Government for the purpose of securing the reinstatement of British pilots on the Suez Canal.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesBut is the hon. Gentleman aware that about two years ago his right hon. and learned Friend instigated an unofficial strike on the Suez Canal among the pilots, some of whom lost their jobs as a result? In view of what was said at the time, that it was impossible to run the Suez Canal without British pilots, can the hon. Gentleman tell us how the Suez Canal is running now and why more ships are going through than there were at that time?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe hon. Gentleman asked whether we would negotiate with the Egyptian Government for the purpose of securing reinstatement of British pilots on the Suez Canal. I believe that the answer to that is "No," chiefly because I am not aware of any British pilots who want to be employed by the Suez Canal Company as at present organised by the Egyptians.