HC Deb 13 June 1979 vol 968 cc417-8
5. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Lord Privy Seal what plans he has to invite the Foreign Minister of Egypt to visit the United Kingdom.

Sir Ian Gilmour

No formal invitation has been extended to Dr. Boutros Ghali, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, but our contacts with the Egyptian Government are close and Vice-President Mubarek is due to visit Britain tomorrow. I know that my right hon. and noble Friend wishes to maintain close ties with Egypt's leaders, including Dr. Ghali and Dr. Khalil.

Mr. Cox

I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that there is deep appreciation in this country of the courageous efforts made by Egypt and Israel in arriving at a peace settlement? The visit of the Egyptian Foreign Minister would indeed allow this Government to express their appreciation for the efforts that were made. Is the Minister also aware that there is now urgent need to help Egypt, both economically and industrially, in the development of that country? That is surely an endeavour in which this country, along with Western Europe, could probably play an important role. Will he bear that in mind?

Sir I. Gilmour

I certainly agree with the hon. Gentleman, but he will realise that our aid programme is currently under review. We do not have much spare money, and no decision has yet been taken. However, I accept the importance of what the hon. Gentleman said.

Mr. Hooley

Will the right hon. Gentleman be discussing with the Egyptian Foreign Minister the implications for the Camp David accords and the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty of the expropriation of Arab land on the West Bank for the benefit of a new Jewish settlement, and the public statements by Mr. Begin that he has no intention that Israel should surrender control of either the West Bank or Gaza?

Sir I. Gilmour

With regard to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question, naturally the Government regret certain statements by both sides which are likely to make an agreement more difficult or impossible. As for the first part, as I said in my speech on the Gracious Address, we deeply regret Israel's settlement policy. Like practically all the rest of the world, we regard it as illegal and as an obstacle to peace.