HC Deb 11 March 1968 vol 760 cc975-6
57. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement on negotiations on loan proposals to Egypt.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)

I have nothing to add to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, North-West (Sir B. Janner) on 26th February.—[Vol. 759, c. 223–4.]

Mr. Leadbitter

Is my hon. Friend aware that this reply contains no infor- mation whatsoever? Is he aware that there is considerable concern about the possibility of a loan, having regard to the fact that the Suez is still closed, and that President Nasser's recalcitrant manner is such that this country should not encourage a loan and that the Government would be wise to have nothing to do with it?

Mr. Roberts

I think that if my hon. Friend looks up my right hon. Friend's reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 26th February, he will agree that a considerable amount of information about this loan was then given. As to my hon. Friend's opinion about the effects of a loan of this sort on our relations with the U.A.R., and prospects for further political and economic improvements with that country, I am afraid that I disagree with him.

Mr. Tilney

Is the Minister aware that several Liverpool ships are locked up in the Bitter Lakes, and is it not time that something was done about that situation?

Mr. Roberts

We have done everything in our power, and are continuing to do everything in our power, to see that these ships are released. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we had got to a point where the position was very encouraging. Unfortunately, certain incidents in the area put back this work, but we are hopeful that in the not too distant future a new attempt will be made to release these 14 ships.

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