HC Deb 19 June 1967 vol 748 cc178-80W
70. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which British ships to the Antipodes have, as a result of the recent closure to them of the Suez Canal, been obliged to take the long way round by South Africa; what estimate he has made of the extra cost to British companies; and what steps he is taking to recover compensation from the Powers which imposed these extra voyages and expense upon them.

Mr. William Rodgers

All British ships bound for Australia and New Zealand are being routed round the Cape or through the Panama Canal. The cost to British companies will vary with the normal trade pattern of each ship and the adjustments that the owners can make. It is too soon either to attempt to estimate these costs or to consider questions of compensation.

71. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many ships have been sunk in the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Tiran as a result of the recent war; how many of them are there now impeding international, and in particular British, shipping; how many and which British ships have been so impeded; and what steps he has taken and is taking to clear these international waterways; and with what results.

73. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the nature and likely duration of the blocking of the Suez Canal.

Mr. William Rodgers

First hand details about the position in the Suez Canal are impossible to obtain, since access to the Canal area is heavily restricted, but our best information is that the Canal is partially or wholly blocked between Ismailia and Port Said. There may be obstructions elsewhere, but we cannot say to what extent they impede passage.

We are not aware that any ships have been sunk in the Straits of Tiran or the Gulf of Aqaba.

The four British ships detained in the Great Bitter Lake are the "Port Invercargill", "Scottish Star", "Melampus" and "Agapenor". At least 10 other ships, probably of 7 different nationalities, are also believed to be detained. They include, Swedish, German, Italian and United States ships.

It is still too early to say how soon the Canal is likely to be opened to shipping. On steps being taken by Her Majesty's Government, I have nothing to add to my statement in the House on 15th June.

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