HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 cc991-2
26. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in his negotiations with the authorities in Egypt for the release of the British ships at present detained in the Suez Canal; and when he expects the Canal will be open to international shipping.

Mr. M. Stewart

As regards the ships, we continue to press for a survey of the southern exit.

The reopening of the Canal itself is unlikely to be achieved except as part of a general settlement.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Canal will ever again be open to shipping? Might it not be better in the long run to abandon the four British ships in this dead canal?

Mr. Stewart

We ought to continue our attempts to get these ships out. It will be apparent to everyone that if a settlement in the Middle East dispute is not reached, or is long delayed, and the Canal remains blocked, its value, inevitably, in world commerce, will diminish. This will be an injury to a good many countries.

Mr. Colin Jackson

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any of the ships in the Bitter Lakes have been endangered by cross-shelling?

Mr. Stewart

I do not believe that there has been any serious danger, either to the ships or, I am glad to say, to the people on them.

Mr. Wood

Am I right in thinking that both Egypt and Israel have agreed in principle to the survey mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman, but that this is prevented only by military activities across the Canal?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, that is so.