HC Deb 18 November 1959 vol 613 cc1156-7
8. Mr. W. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has so far been made in the implementation of the Anglo-Egyptian Financial Agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. Allan

By the first week of November, 1,552 applications for de-sequestration had been submitted to the Egyptian authorities. Of these, 1,363 had been accepted as being in order and 644 release agreements had either been signed or were awaiting signature. The value of the property released, up to 11th November, had reached over 60 per cent. of the total declared value of the assets registered with the Foreign Office.

Mr. Yates

Whilst thanking the Minister for that statement, may I ask whether he is aware that reports are being received to the effect that, although arrangements were made for British subjects to transfer £5,000 of their assets out of Egypt, they are not able to remove even £100? How can he account for this?

Mr. Allan

I should be grateful if my hon. Friend would give me particulars of the instances he has mentioned, when I shall be glad to look into them.

Mr. Yates

I think it would be suitable if I raised the matter on the Adjournment, Mr. Speaker, with your permission, and so I beg to give notice to that effect.

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