39. Mr. Lindsayasked the Lord Privy Seal what further representations have been made to the United Arab Republic about compensation for the British officials summarily dismissed from the service of the Egyptian Government nine years ago; and with what results.
§ Mr. HeathRepeated representations have been made and are still being made to the Government of the United Arab 395 Republic about compensation for these officials but so far Her Majesty's Government have not been informed that any decision has been reached.
Mr. LindsayIs my right hon. Friend aware that a number of these officials have already died; that the rest of them are getting on in age; that it is nine years since they were dismissed and that many of them have great difficulty in maintaining themselves? In view of the recently improved relationship between Great Britain and Egypt, which we welcome, will my right hon. Friend instruct our new Ambassador to take this up as a matter of priority and point out to the Egyptian Government that this is a matter in which the national honour of Egypt is very much involved?
§ Mr. HeathYes, Sir. I have every sympathy, and I know that the House has, for these former British officials. The Financial Agreement arranged that a commission would be set up to re-examine this subject. That was done in July last and we know that the commission has reported to the United Arab Republic Ministers, but, so far as we know, the Ministers have not reached any decision about it. I will, therefore, adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend.