§ 3. Mr. Bodyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to visit Israel.
§ Mr. BodyIf the Foreign Secretary were to go, is he aware that he would find that that country is able to supply us with thousands of tons of citrus fruit? Will be give an assurance that in spite of what is being rumoured in Brussels the housewives of this country will be able to continue to buy their fruit free of any import duty or other kind of food tax? If he cannot give that assurance, will he say how he reconciles his failure to do so with his splendid words to the Council of Ministers on 1st April, when he said there would be no further integration, particularly on food taxes?
Mr. CallaghanThat is clearly a hypothetical question, since I am not going to Israel. In so far as it is not hypothetical, and I might go to Brussels, the answer is that it certainly remains our aim to seek favourable arrangements for the continuation of Israel's agricultural exports to the EEC. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade has taken part in a number of discussions on the subject, as has my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, and the negotiations are continuing. I have no doubt that the stand we have taken on these matters has had an impact on the negotiating mandate.
§ Mr. CrawshawIs my right hon. Friend aware that in order to try to get peace in the Middle East, Israel has given up much territory, which makes it less well able to defend itself should a conflict arise, and that at the present time it feels in need of friends, particularly old friends, like this country? Will my right hon. Friend reconsider his decision not to go to Israel? Such a visit would be extremely welcome to Israel at this time.
Mr. CallaghanI hope that my failure to visit Israel will not be considered as a lack of friendship in that country. I was there and had discussions with the leaders in January, immediately before the General Election. I also had the 421 opportunity of seeing Prime Minister Rabin a fortnight ago, at the Socialist International.
§ Lord BalnielPresumably the right hon, Gentleman accepts Resolution 242 as being the most likely basis of reaching a settlement between Israel and its neighbouring countries. Does he also accept the interpretation of that resolution put forward by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kinross and West Perth-shire (Sir A. Douglas-Home) at Harrogate?
Mr. CallaghanI am afraid that I cannot give a glossary of what the right hon. Gentleman said at Harrogate. The Government have taken their own position on Resolution 242, and it is well understood.