§ 32. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Defence on what dates British Forces began concentrating in Cyprus and elsewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean for action against Egypt; and whether he will give these details regarding the 16th Parachute Brigade, the Royal Marine Commandos and the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet including the carriers H.M.S. "Eagle", H.M.S. "Albion", and H.M.S. "Bulwark".
§ Mr. HeadThe H.Q. and three battalions of the 16th Parachute Brigade Group, the H.Q. and two Commandos of the 3rd Commando Brigade and the carrier "Eagle" were already in the Mediterranean when Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal at the end of July. As part of the precautionary measures which the Government then decided to take, the remaining units of the Parachute and Commando Brigades were sent from the United Kingdom. The Parachute units began to leave this country on 5th August and the Commando unit left on 23rd August. At the same time reinforcements were sent to the Mediterranean Fleet: H.M.S. "Bulwark" left the United Kingdom on 6th August and H.M.S. "Albion" on 15th September.