asked the Minister of Defence his estimate of the total sum spent on our armed forces in Egypt since the commencement of our dispute with the Egyptian Government.

I have given directions that the best estimate possible is to be prepared, but the accounting is complicated and may take some time.

Will the Prime Minister explain why£5 million was released during the course of this expenditure from Egyptian sterling balances? It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to finance the Egyptian Government at the same time?

This is not a question which can be answered on the spur of the moment across the Floor of the House; but any Question on this subject will receive a detailed reply from the Minister concerned. Very great restrictions have been imposed upon the withdrawal of sterling balances.