§ 66. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in discussions with the United Arab Republic Government regarding the release of re-sequestrated property of British nationals and the implementation of the terms of the Anglo-United Arab Republic Financial Agreement.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. George Thomson)There have been recent discussions at the official level with the United Arab Republic authorities on this question. It would be premature at this stage to forecast their outcome or to set a date to their conclusion.
§ Mr. WallWould the hon. Gentleman agree that the Anglo-Egyptian Financial Agreement is not working, in that people are not being allowed to bring their personal property out of Egypt? Could he say whether there is any hope that people who have now been deprived of their property for four years will either receive compensation or have their property returned to them?
§ Mr. ThomsonI appreciate the strong feelings which the hon. Member expresses. During my recent visit to the 1687 United Arab Republic I stressed to the authorities there the need to reach a final solution to this problem. I prefer not to go any further than my main Answer this afternoon.