HL Deb 23 July 1987 vol 488 cc1481-2

11.17 a.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are to participate in further international meetings or consultations aimed at improving arrangements to suppress and eliminate terrorism.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)

My Lords, we are totally committed to the fight against terrorism and to the need for international co-operation to combat it, and will continue to play an active part in international bodies to secure a common, firm approach. We shall also continue bilateral exchanges with a wide range of countries further to strengthen international co-operation to combat terrorism.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that welcome Answer. Does he agree that the Government will receive massive support for any special measures to counter terrorism, including kidnapping, and in particular measures to stop Middle Eastern feuds from being pursued by violent means on the streets of London?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I quite agree with my noble friend. I think that it is very important that all forms of terrorism are met with the very greatest concern that all countries can possibly bring to bear through the many international fora which exist to try to discuss the ways of dealing with it. I can assure my noble friend that the Government will give the highest priority to that.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the time has now come for the establishment of a permanent international commission to carry out the desires that he has expressed, which I am sure are supported by every Member of this House? Does he further agree that countries which may be friendly toward us, as well as those which are unfriendly, but which are engaged in some form of terrorism should also be rebuked and asked to stop such behaviour—not only those which, as we know full well, thrive on such a terribly evil system?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, there are a number of international fora at present within the 12 of which the TREVI is perhaps the most important. There are the Summit Seven, the Council of Europe and other contacts as well for the United Nations through NATO and CSCE.

Lord Chalfont

My Lords, is the Minister aware that as chairman of the Institute for the Study of Terrorism I attend frequent meetings in the United States, Western Europe and elsewhere? The Government have a very high reputation for their attitude to terrorism and the extent to which they are prepared to engage in international co-operation. In the context of the supplementary Question that was asked by the noble Lord, Lord Campbell, may I put one specific question to him? Can he give the House an assurance that Her Majesty's Government are keeping a very careful eye on the activities of the very large number of Iranian students in London?

Lord Glenarthur

Yes, my Lords. I appreciate the noble Lord's responsibilities and interest in this field, and I am very glad to hear his comments about the strength of feeling and support for the way in which the United Kingdom Government have approached this problem. So far as Iranian students are concerned, I can of course tell the noble Lord that we constantly keep this sort of matter under review.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, is this not an appropriate time to put on record our deep appreciation of the work done by the police in combating terrorism? There are so many people—there are some in this House—who take a lot of delight in criticising the police. It would not be a bad idea to praise them now and again.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I entirely agree with the noble Lord. As the House will be aware, at this moment they are investigating yet another deplorable outrage on the streets of London and I am very grateful for the noble Lord's kind remarks.