§ Q4. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister what progress is being made by the Western Allies in bringing about the release of the American hostages in Iran.
§ The Prime MinisterThe political and economic measures taken by the Nine and other Western countries are designed to show the Iranian authorities that there are real penalties for continuing to hold the hostages. We intend to keep up the, pressure.
§ Mr. LathamIs my right hon. Friend aware that we have now reached day 248 of the illegal seizure of these diplomats? There seems to be some danger that the world is beginning to forget about them. Is it not time for a new effort to be made, either by the West or by the United Nations, to send a Third World or Islamic deputation to Iran to try to bring the matter to a speedy end?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are all aware of the length of time that the American hostages have been held in Iran. There are signs that the sanctions to which I referred are having some effect. At least, President Bani-Sadr indicated that in an interview with one of the news agencies. We keep in close touch with our American friends and stand willing to help in any diplomatic initiative that they might wish us to undertake.
§ Mr. DalyellWill the Prime Minister search her memory and tell the House when she first heard of the American military expedition to the Iranian desert? Was, it like the rest of us, from the BBC at 7.20 on the morning of Friday 25 April?
§ The Prime MinisterI have already replied to that question a number of times. We were informed of the possibility of such an attack. We would never expect to be informed of the precise nature of such an attack.