HC Deb 20 February 1957 vol 565 cc63-4W
67. Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking in the United Nations to ensure that canal dues and charges on British shipping will be paid to an international body controlling the Suez Canal and not to Egypt.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

It has not yet been possible to open negotiations on a future regime for the Canal, since the Egyptian Government have informed the Secretary General of the United Nations that they are not yet ready for them. Discussions have been in progress between a number of user Governments on interim arrangements to take effect when the Canal is reopened and a proposal has been worked out. This proposal has been put to the Egyptian Government through the intermediary of Mr. Hammarskjöld. I am not yet in a position to disclose details of the proposal.