§ 163. Viscount Hinchingbrookeasked the Secretary of State for War how many British employees of the Suez Contractors Organisation are now interned in Egypt; and what reports he has received of their circumstances.
§ Mr. HareI would refer my noble Friend to my Written Answer of 17th December to Questions by the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. G. Thomas).
§ 165. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for War what further representations he has made to the Egyptian Government to secure the release of the 450 British technicians who were employed by civilian firms upon the maintenance of the Suez base; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HareThe Swiss Government have repeatedly made representations on our behalf to the Egyptian Government. In addition the Secretary-General of the United Nations Organisation has pressed our representations with the Egyptian Government. Discussions are at present in progress with the object of obtaining the early release of the Contractors' employees.