HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 cc25-9
19. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British ships are now detained in the Suez Canal; what estimate he has of resulting costs so far incurred by the ship owners; what representations he has recently made to the United Arab Republic; and if he will make a statement.

25. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Minister of State's visit to the British ships trapped in the Suez Canal; and what recent efforts he has made to secure their release.

49. Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the British ships detained in the Suez Canal.

82. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representation he has made to the United Arab Republic about the detention of British ships in the Suez Canal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The owners of the four British ships involved estimate their costs so far at approximately £1½ million.

I discussed prospects for the release of the ships with President Nasser and with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Republic while in Cairo. Hon. Members will now have seen reports that, following talks last week between the United Arab Republic authorities and representatives of the shipowners, it may be possible to proceed to a survey of the southern sector of the Canal with a view to the eventual release of the ships.

Mr. King

I am most grateful for any movement in this matter. Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the detention of British ships, which imposes on their owners a cost of £1½ million, is one of the gravest diplomatic excesses that has been permitted for a long time? Will the hon. Gentleman be very chary of giving any diplomatic support in Cairo as long as that position obtains?

Mr. Roberts

I think that if there is sufficient restraint all round we may hope cautiously for a solution of this difficulty. I do not think that remarks of that kind will help.

Mr. Dalyell

Has any date been given for when the survey of the southern entrance might be carried out?

Mr. Roberts

No, Sir.

Mr. Jackson

Does my hon. Friend agree that as the U.A.R. wishes to clear the Canal and facilitate international passage, the policy of the Government should be to back the attitude of Cairo and see that this waterway is cleared as soon as possible?

Mr. Roberts

Our attitude should be, as it has been, to promote co-operation to secure the release of these ships. It does not depend on one side more than on the other.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Is the Minister aware that in so far as he, in his personal talks with President Nasser, may have contributed to this easing of the situation in regard to British ships he will be congratulated by many people on both sides of the House? Can the Minister say whether he had further discussions with President Nasser about the future international régime of the waterway so as to safeguard international shipping from this happening again?

Mr. Roberts

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his remarks. On the second part of his question, I must say that this is a much larger question which I do not think arises from this issue, and would best be dealt with on a more ample occasion.