HC Deb 14 June 1967 vol 748 cc548-9
3. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the President of the Board of Trade why no instructions have been issued to the masters of British ships passing through the Suez Canal when these are searched for goods in transit for Israel.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu)

In our judgment none was necessary and British shipowners agreed with this judgment.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Does the Minisster of State agree that this right has already been exercised by Egypt on at least one occasion against a British ship? Have the Government any views on this? Should not he issue clear instructions as to what should happen in the event of this alleged right being exercised again?

Mr. Mallalieu

It was exercised three years ago and, after a very strong protest, the ship was allowed to proceed. We stand by the principle of freedom of navigation through the Canal.

Sir K. Joseph

Is the Minister of State saying that no instructions were given because existing instructions cover the situation completely, in which case what are those instructions, or does he accept unworthily some sort of impotence in this case?

Mr. Mallalieu

Not a bit. As I have already said, the one instance where this occurred was followed immediately by a sharp protest, and the ship was allowed to proceed.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

As it now appears to be Her Majesty's Government's policy to send a letter where in happier times in such circumstances we should have sent a cruiser, are the masters of British merchant ships now to understand that they cannot expect to receive protection from the Royal Navy on the high seas? Are the Government aware that this will probably lead to the arming of British merchant vessels in the Middle East and the Far East?

Mr. Mallalieu

I am quite certain that it will lead to no such thing. The way to protect British vessels on the high seas in times of peace is to ensure that international obligations are watched over.

Sir K. Joseph

The Minister of State did not answer my question about instructions. Is he saying that no instructions were issued because the present ones cover the situation? If so, which instructions cover the situation?

Mr. Mallalieu

Any ship which was stopped—there has been only one—would report that at once to us and we should follow up with a sharp protest, which was effective in the one instance that has occurred.

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