asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress is being made in settlement of claims arising out of the Franco-British armed action in Egypt; and what decisions have been taken at the conference in Rome.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the progress of the Anglo-Egyptian financial talks in Rome.

The Anglo-Egyptian financial talks in Rome are still proceeding. The aim of the United Kingdom Delegation is, as the House is aware, the desequestration of British property and compensation where this is due. Agreement has not yet been reached but some progress has been made.

In view of the persistent reports that Her Majesty's Government are contemplating compensation for Egyptian nationals for damage and injury to their interests in Egypt, may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government will immediately make adequate compensation to British nationals who also suffered from the Franco-British operation?

The first matter to which the hon. Gentleman has referred has not been discussed. On the second matter, we are trying to do what we can on an interim basis under the terms of the scheme already announced to the House.