asked the Secretary of State for War if he has made arrangements for constructing the new Middle East G.H.Q. that will be required now that the final date for leaving Egypt is agreed; what is the estimated cost; and when is the actual work to begin.

The Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936, which remains in force, provides for the stationing of a certain number of British troops in Egypt. It is therefore incorrect to say that a final date for leaving Egypt has been decided upon, and the second part of the Question does not arise.

Is the Financial Secretary aware of the terrific time taken to construct anything in that part of the world, and may I urge him to give this matter further consideration because it would be very serious if there were no headquarters when the time came?

Nobody is better aware of that difficulty than I am, but the answer I have given is really the only one open to me at the moment and we are standing on the 1936 Treaty.

Will the Financial Secretary make it clear that we are in no great hurry to construct anything?