§ 95. Mr. Cooperasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement concerning progress in clearing the Suez Canal; and what steps are being taken to ensure freedom of passage for British ships, after clearance, in accordance with the Treaty of 1888.
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§ Mr. Ian HarveyThe latest information I have from the United Nations, who are responsible for clearing the Canal, is that work on stage 1 for ships up to 10,000 tons is up to schedule, and should therefore be completed at the beginning of March.
Freedom of passage for all ships without discrimination, as provided by the 1888 Convention, and insulation of the Canal from the politics of any country, are two of the six principles adopted by the Security Council on 13th October and accepted by Egypt. It is our aim and expectation, and that of the United Nations, that the Canal should be so operated.