§ The Viscount of Falkland asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether, during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Morocco, discussions took place on the war in the Western Sahara.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)Yes, my Lords. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister welcomed the efforts being made to find a solution to this dispute.
The Viscount of FalklandMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord the Minister for a most encouraging reply. I believe that all noble Lords will be pleased that his right honourable friend had occasion to bring up this subject. Can the Minister further tell me what Her Majesty's Government have done, or are intending to do, to implement the European Parliament's resolution passed on 15th March which urged all member countries to encourage direct negotiations between Polisario and the Moroccan Government?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, we certainly welcome that. We also welcome the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General to find a solution and the acceptance in principle of the referendum proposals by both parties to the dispute. Perhaps those measures together offer the best solution.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, the referendum of the population concerned has been proposed, but what information has the noble Lord concerning the position as regards that referendum? Can the Minister confirm that his right honourable friend the Prime Minister had talks with King Hassan on this subject when she visited Morocco? Can the Minister further say what initiatives the Government are taking to bring this sad and unnecessary war to an end?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, I cannot give the noble Lord chapter and verse concerning the referendum, but I can confirm that my right honourable friend did raise the matter with King Hassan when she visited Morocco. As I have said, we welcome the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General and we have joined the rest of the 12 in welcoming all the efforts to find a solution.
The Viscount of FalklandMy Lords, can the Minister say whether his right honourable friend the Prime Minister showed any concern during her visit 866 as regards arms that have been bought by Morocco from us? I believe that Morocco is a customer for arms from this country. I have no doubt that she feels that some of those arms may have been used in this conflict.
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, the matter of arms was not raised by my right honourable friend. We shall be prepared to consider Moroccan purchases of British defence equipment provided that appropriate financing arrangements can be agreed and that any defence supply will not risk destabilising the area.
§ Lord MayhewMy Lords, does the noble Minister agree that hope for the future rests on reaching agreement on the terms of the referendum? Will the Government encourage the United Nations to enter into the dispute concerning the terms of the referendum?
§ Lord GlenarthurMy Lords, as I said, I have not with me chapter and verse on that referendum, but I shall certainly look into that point.