HL Deb 05 July 1989 vol 509 cc1162-3

2.46 p.m.

Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Israeli Government concerning the indefinite closure of all educational establishments in the occupied territories of Palestine.

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

My Lords, we have repeatedly made clear our view that Israel's security concerns do not justify the closure of schools. We have called on the Israeli authorities, most recently in the European Council Declaration on the Middle East on 27th June, to allow the schools to reopen.

Lord Hylton

My Lords, I am grateful for that reply. However, is the noble Lord aware that over 300,000 children and students are affected by the closures? Is he further aware that it is even illegal to teach in private houses? Does the noble Lord also accept the wish of Members from all sides of the House to uphold the educational rights of both the Palestinians and the Israelis? Will Her Majesty's Government continue to press for the reopening of such schools and universities as an essential confidence-building measure pending a negotiated political settlement?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I must say that the figures quoted by the noble Lord are indeed disturbing; but there is more than one source for the kind of figures he used. It is difficult to get the true picture. However, I certainly agree that what he has described is a deplorable state of affairs. I can assure him that we shall continue to press the matter.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, can the Minister say which other countries are supporting the British Government in their endeavours to bring peace to the Middle East and to see an end to the appalling situation which exists in the occupied territories?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I think the noble Lord will appreciate that many countries are keen to see a resolution of this tragic state of affairs. We have been closely engaged in the matter as have the Americans, which is extremely important. Many countries in the Arab world are also involved.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, can the noble Lord say why it is that the Israeli Government are doing what they are doing? After all, if we are to have a balance sheet we ought to have all the figures.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, there is a danger on this sort of Question that we become involved in a major debate on the whole Arab-Israeli conflict. It has happened fairly regularly recently. The Question relates strictly to the matter of schools.

Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone

My Lords, can my noble friend tell the House what is the justification put forward by the Israeli Government for the closure of all the schools in this part of the world?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, the excuse put forward by the Israeli Government is that it is a matter of security for them. We understand that they have security concerns. However, I do not believe that what they have done with their schools can in any sense be considered as some sort of security risk.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, apart from the denial of education, which I believe has lasted now for 18 months, does the Minister recall stating recently that the Israeli army has killed 90 children and wounded 20,000 others by beating and shooting? Will he give the assurance that, while that treatment of children continues, there will be no official educational or cultural links with Israel?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, those figures are broadly correct, as I said the other day. On cultural and educational links between Israel and this country, the British Council is active in Israel and there is a budget of £1.7 million for 1989–90. It is important to bear in mind, however, that withdrawal of that type of aid would not help to solve the problems of the occupied territories. That type of aid is more a force for good and understanding than anything else.

Baroness Phillips

My Lords, is the Minister aware than some of us sympathise with the Israeli Government—the only democratic government in the whole of the Middle East—in their fight against the PLO and its various arms? Surely they closed the schools merely as a matter of security.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, yes, but I cannot accept, and nor can the Government, that the closure of the schools was necessary from a security point of view.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, knowing as he does our concern and long-standing friendship with the state of Israel, will the Minister say what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking? In view of the close relationship which has existed over the years between the British Government and the Government of Israel, would it not be appropriate for his right honourable and learned friend to make direct approaches to Mr. Shamir and the Foreign Secretary?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, the noble Lord will be aware that Mr. Shamir's visit confirmed our good relations with Israel. We had thorough talks covering the Arab-Israel situation and other regional issues and bilateral questions. I can assure him that we shall of course continue to remain in close touch.