§ 3.12 p.m.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stand in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any statement to make on the negotiations which have been in progress between Her Majesty's Government and the Egyptian Government during the last few days.]
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to make a statement on this subject immediately on the signing of the Agreement which was initialled on January 16, and at the same time to publish the full text of the Agreement.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I entirely appreciate that it is impossible for Her Majesty's Government to say anything more to-day. I wonder whether the noble Viscount the Lord President can give any indication as to when the statement is likely to be made.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMNot precisely; I hope quite soon. It depends on arrangements to be made with the Government of the United Arab Republic.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, will there be anything but the text published? Are Her Majesty's Government going to prepare a general White Paper giving some explanation, so that the Agreement which has been signed can be understood and explaining how they qualify the terms of the Agreement?
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, the immediate intention is to publish the text of the Agreement. No doubt, if other suggestions are made they can be considered.