HL Deb 06 March 1990 vol 516 cc1049-50

2.57 p.m.

Lord Mayhew asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the closure of Palestinian schools and universities by the Israeli authorities, in disregard of the fourth Geneva Convention, they will suspend subsidies for cultural co-operation with Israel; and will urge other Community governments to do the same.

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

No, my Lords.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, will the Government take note of two recent resolutions by the European Parliament both of which detail the ill-treatment of Palestinian schoolchildren by the Israeli authorities and recommend the kind of action which I suggest in the Question?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, we have certainly taken note of the European Parliament's resolutions. Our views on the occupied territories are well known and I do not believe that they need repetition this afternoon. We do not feel that the closure of the universities is in any way justified.

As regards cultural activities, we believe—and I think most people believe—that the British Council is a force for good and, therefore, should be allowed to continue.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, does the noble Lord agree that it might help to reactivate the peace process in the Middle East if the universities and colleges on the West Bank were reopened? In view of the fact that about 18,000 students are being deprived of further education, will the noble Lord consider asking his right honourable friend if he will make representations to Mr. Shamir and the Israeli Government on that point because I am quite sure that the Israeli Government would wish to see some progress in the Middle East peace talks?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I very much agree with the noble Lord. The closure of the universities does nothing to assist the peace process; in fact, the reverse. We are slightly encouraged to learn of the decision of 25th February to re-open the community colleges, which is at least a step in the right direction.

As regards my right honourable friend, we have made representations on numerous occasions. The most recent was the Strasbourg declaration made by the European Council last December, which covers those points very fully.

Viscount Tonypandy

My Lords, as all the schools were re-opened in July 1989 and as the further education colleges were opened in January of this year, would it not be helpful if those who have influence in the Arab world tried to stop the universities being used as centres of terrorism in order that Israel might re-open the universities as well, as it is eager to do?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I am encouraged to hear that. We certainly deplore the continued closure of the universities, but we welcome the other steps taken to open the community colleges and the schools. We do not believe that the closure of the universities is justified by security concerns.

Lord Glenamara

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that in the 22 years during which Israel has been in charge of these territories, the educational provision in the Gaza Strip has increased by 150 per cent. and on the West Bank by 100 per cent., including the provision of five new universities? Is he aware—I am sure that he is—that Israel is only too anxious to re-open the schools and colleges? Will he not agree that the best thing the noble Lord, Lord Mayhew, can do is to use his influence with his Arab friends to end their damaging rebellion which is centred on these colleges and universities?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I am sure that the noble Lord, Lord Mayhew, heard the remarks of the noble Lord, Lord Glenamara.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the only element which prevents the re-opening of the universities is the Right-wing element in the Israeli Government? That government are perfectly right to resist the suggestion from other quarters that there is some other element in the matter. It is entirely within the hands of the Jewish authorities in that country.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, that may well be the case; I do not know. I can only answer for this Government, not the Israeli Government. This Government do not feel that the closure is justified; our views on the occupied territories have been well stated on many occasions.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, will the noble Lord agree that the suggestion that educational institutions are used for terrorism reflects strangely on the Israeli closure not only of universities but again of schools and kindergartens and on their arrest of people who organise education for children in private homes? Is he aware that that is simply an excuse for another damaging attack on the education and the national traditions of Palestinian children?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I can do no more than repeat that in our view closure is not justified by security concerns.

Lord Hatch of Lusby

My Lords, in view of the noble Lord's original comment about the British Council, will he tell the House whether, during the closure of the universities, the schools and the kindergartens, the British Council made any extra effort to provide facilities for those Palestinian children and young people who are now deprived?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I cannot say that the British Council has been operating in the occupied territories. I can say that the EC aid effort in the Strasbourg declaration resolved substantially to increase aid to the occupied territories and declared that the education and health sectors would be given priority.