HC Deb 09 March 1959 vol 601 c867
24. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken to restore diplomatic relations with Egypt.

Mr. R. Allan

As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer told the House on 2nd March, the Government of the United Arab Republic have agreed to receive a United Kingdom representative in Cairo, with adequate staff, who will be accorded diplomatic immunities and facilities. The restoration of full full diplomatic relations is a separate matter depending upon further discussions.

Mr. Healey

Does the Under-Secretary not agree that it is both absurd and damaging to British interests that this country has no proper diplomatic representative in any of the three major countries in the Arab world at the present time? Will he not take up the question as a matter of urgency?

Mr. Allan

We hope to see diplomatic relations restored as soon as possible.