HL Deb 21 June 1989 vol 509 cc219-20

2.45 p.m.

Lord Mayhew asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many children have been killed or injured by shooting or beating in occupied Palestine since the start of the intifada; what medical facilities have been available; and whether they will support the work of Medical Aid for Palestine.

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

My Lords, precise statistics are not available, but we estimate that over 90 children have been killed and over 20,000 injured by shooting or beating since the intifada began. Medical facilities in the occupied territories include Israeli Government hospitals, private hospitals and clinics, and United Nations relief and work agency clinics in the refugee camps. We are currently considering whether to give financial support to the work of Medical Aid for Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the fact that action is being considered is very welcome and that help for the work of that admirable charity would encourage it a great deal? Is he further aware that it has won worldwide respect for the courage and good spirit of its doctors and staff?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I am glad that the noble Lord is pleased with the bit of information that I have been able to give him. Certainly, that excellent organisation has some very promising ideas. There are one or two difficulties over details, but those are being looked at. I very much welcome the noble Lord's words.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, will the noble Lord say whether those tragic and appalling events were discussed when Mr. Shamir was here last month and whether any proposals were made which might bring them to an end?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I cannot say whether that particular matter was discussed, but the whole problem was certainly discussed when Mr. Shamir was here. So far as his visit is concerned, it confirmed our good relations with Israel. The talks comprised thorough discussion of the Arab-Israeli dispute and other regional issues and bilateral questions. We look forward to keeping in close touch with him. But I am absolutely certain that the noble Lord's point was not lost on Mr. Shamir.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, while I recognise the difficulties and tragic circumstances of that conflict, I do not know whether the Minister is now able to put the picture in its right perspective. Can he give any idea of how many Israeli soldiers have died and how many Israeli civilians have been hurt or killed?

Lord Glenarthur

No, my Lords, I am unable to give that information, but the facts that I gave in the original Answer are a shocking indictment of Israeli practices.

Baroness Phillips

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the PLO has obviously utilised children in its battle against the Israelis? Is it not therefore fair to record that point in any discussion that we have?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I am beginning to become fairly familiar with the difficulties on both sides of that difficult issue. That is why we have deplored violence from whatever quarter, and we shall continue to do so.

Lord Hooson

My Lords, to return to the earlier question, as I imagine that no one in the House can object to medical aid, whatever their other views, may we expect an early decision on whether the Government will support Medical Aid for Palestine?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, we are in close touch with the organisation at the moment. As I indicated in answer to the noble Lord, Lord Mayhew, there are one or two points to be sorted out. But the noble Lord should be aware that we also support the health projects of many non-government organisations in the occupied territories, including the Order of St. John's clinics in Gaza and the West Bank, Save the Children Fund's physiotherapy training and Oxfam and Save the Children Fund projects for the mentally and physically handicapped. So there is a lot going on in addition to Medical Aid for Palestine.

Lord Whaddon

My Lords, will the noble Lord confirm the figure given in his original Answer? Have 20,000 children in fact been injured? It seems an extraordinarily high total.

Lord Glenarthur

Yes, my Lords; 20,000 is the figure that we have. That information came from the Palestinian Human Rights Information Centre. Naturally, the figures vary and many cases are never reported. But, as I said, whatever the source or accuracy, they are close enough to be a shocking indictment of what has gone on.

Lord Kennet

My Lords, can the noble Lord tell the House anything about the representations that we may have made to the United States about military aid for Israel and whether those representations have fallen on receptive ears?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, the Question is narrowly worded in connection with injuries and deaths to children and the medical aspects. I shall certainly look at that point.