§ 95 and 97. Mr. Remnantasked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the total value of Army stores in Egypt is represented by petrol, oil, lubricants, ammunition, and tentage, respectively;
(2) what is the value of British stores and equipment in Egypt; what was the date of the valuation; and when it is proposed to revalue.
§ Mr. HareIn a Written Answer to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Renfrew, East (Sir G. Lloyd) on 19th December, I explained that we estimated the value of British stores and equipment, excluding buildings, in the Suez Base at between £40 million and £50 million. That estimate was approximate. More detailed and accurate calculations based on the most recent stock figures available indicate that the figure will be somewhat more than £60 million. The Army held no stocks of petrol, oil and lubricants in the Base; in value, ammunition and tentage represented very roughly 13 per cent, and 2 per cent. respectively of the total stocks.
§ 96. Mr. Remnantasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made to maintain effective protection against theft and looting at the British military establishments in Egypt.
§ Mr. HareBefore leaving Egypt, the British Embassy in Cairo asked the Swiss Legation, as the Protecting Power, to request the Egyptian Government to appoint a custodian of the Service installations, who would ensure that stores and equipment were not removed from them, and also to permit a Swiss representative to make periodical inspections of the installations to see that they were being properly maintained. The Swiss Legation met our request by a note to the Egyptian Government on 14th November. They have received no reply and have not been allowed to make the necessary visits.