§ 14. Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution Her Majesty's Government hope to make towards helping the Lebanese Government regain its sovereignty over the whole of Lebanon.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Douglas Hurd)As the House knows, we have decided to contribute to the multinational force in Lebanon an armoured reconnaissance unit of about 80 men for three months.
§ Miss RichardsonWill the Minister say whether he welcomes recent reports that the Israeli and Lebanese Governments are prepared to discuss a peace package? What efforts are the Government making to ensure that Syrian and Palestinian forces withdraw from the area at the same time as Israeli forces?
§ Mr. HurdI welcome such reports. It is not clear yet what exactly they mean or what they portend. If they are verified, that will be a helpful step. We have recently been in touch with the Government of Syria and with the PLO about the need, as we see it, for all foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon.
§ Mr. Cyril D. TownsendIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of us will give a cautious welcome to the decision to dispatch a British contingent to Lebanon? Will he say under whose command the contingent will come? What will be the orders for opening fire? Is it still the intention of the Government to try to change the multinational force into a proper United Nations force?
§ Mr. HurdThe British contingent will be under its own British commander. He will work alongside the other commanders of the multinational force in a committee under the auspices of the Lebanese Government. The rules of engagement have not yet been worked out. They will have to ensure that our forces are effectively able to defend themselves. As my hon. Friend knows, the UNIFIL force continues to exist in South Lebanon. We have been persuaded, after discussions with the United States and Lebanese Governments in particular, that it would be sensible if we made a British contribution to the job that the multinational force is doing in the Beirut area. It has certainly helped to restore calm and reassurance.
§ Mr. MoyleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Opposition believe that the world should support the Lebanese Government's attempt to restore their sovereignty over the whole of Lebanese territory? We welcome the decision of the Government to make a contribution to the international peacekeeping force. We also believe that by sending a small operational unit, rather than a training team, the Government have found the best solution to the problem. Will the right hon. Gentleman say 940 whether it is the intention to withdraw the British unit at the end of three months? Or is there an option to renew the arrangement?
§ Mr. HurdWe discussed this with the Lebanese Foreign Minister on his recent successful visit to this country. Our offer, which is for three months, is welcomed by, and acceptable to, the Lebanese Government.