§ 47. Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the British hostages in the Lebanon.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe are delighted that the former American hostage, Mr. Frank Reed, has confirmed that John McCarthy is alive and in reasonable condition. Mr. Reed's release indicates that Iran and Syria can. if they wish, secure the release of hostages in Lebanon. We shall persevere in our efforts to persuade them that continued holding of hostages is in nobody's interest. We believe that this is true both in Lebanon and elsewhere.
§ 49. Mr. Ron BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British nationals are currently held hostage in the middle east; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThree British nationals are currently held hostage in the middle east. They are Mr. John McCarthy, Mr. Jack Mann and Mr. Terry Waite. We have consistently called for the release of all hostages wherever and by whomever they are being held. We will continue our vigorous efforts to this end.