HC Deb 29 January 1962 vol 652 cc686-7
10. Mr. Dance

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many United Kingdom nationals have been successful in their applications to the Egyptian sequestration authorities for the release of their property.

Mr. Heath

By 31st December, 1961, 4,960 United Kingdom Nationals had applied to the Egyptian Sequestration authorities for the release of their property and release agreements had been signed, or were ready for signature, for 3,302 of these properties.

Mr. Dance

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Has he any information about the condition of property which is still in Egypt? Secondly, can he give any measure of hope to people whose property is still there, much of it of sentimental value, including, as he knows, wedding presents in the case of one of my constituents?

Mr. Heath

It is not possible to give a general opinion about the state of property which remains, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, we will try to obtain that information for him. As far as we are able to see, the process of desequestration is continuing at about the normal rate.

Mr. Wall

Can my right hon. Friend say how many of the number quoted have been allowed to repatriate the sum of £5,000 a head, as agreed in the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty?

Mr. Heath

I cannot give the figure for the transfer of £5,000. As my hon. Friend knows, by arrangement with Her Majesty's Government it was later altered to £1,000. We understand that for that figure approval has been given in 231 out of 260 applications.

23. Mr. Wall

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has now received an explanation from the Egyptian Government of the recent seizure of the property of British nationals; and what action he is taking to secure the rights of these British subjects.

Mr. Heath

I assume my hon. Friend refers to the recent sequestration measures. The United Arab Republic Government have now assured Her Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo that they are now examining the problem of British property affected by these measures and that they will remain in contact with him on the subject.

Mr. Wall

Would my night hon. Friend consider approaching the Governments of other foreign nationals also affected by this order, which was designed primarily for use against Egyptian subjects, to see what joint action could be taken?

Mr. Heath

We have approached them and are in consultation already with them.