§ 14. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, following his predecessor's recent visit to Israel, he will make a statement on the steps which he proposes to take to improve relations between the United Kingdom and Israel still further.
§ Mr. HurdOne of the results of my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Carrington's visit was to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom and Israel. The forthcoming official visits of the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Industry and Trade, will provide further opportunities for discussion. We have also proposed, and the Israeli Government have accepted, the idea of holding talks at senior official level.
§ Mr. LathamLord Carrington's visit was obviously overshadowed by the subsequent crisis in the Falkland Islands, but is my right hon. Friend aware that the visit was well received in Israel and did a great deal to improve relations? When the further problems with which we are all concerned have, I hope, receded, will my right hon. Friend give as much attention as he can to improving relations further?
§ Mr. HurdMy hon. Friend is right. If we are to play an effective part in helping things forward in the Middle East it is important that we should have a continuous and friendly dialogue with Israel.
Mr. Ron BrownDoes the Minister consider it appropriate at this stage to invite representatives of the PLO and Israel to an informal meeting in London to 144 discuss the basic issues in the Middle East? Does he further agree that that is the only way in which we shall resolve the fighting in that part of the world? If there is to be a solution, clearly the Government have the responsibility, just as they do in the Falklands, to put forward certain initiatives. Will they do that?
§ Mr. HurdThe hon. Gentleman suggested that we should invite Israeli and PLO representatives to a meeting in London. We could invite them, but neither would come.