HL Deb 05 February 1991 vol 525 c43WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they are having, and with which governments, and in what context, about a post-war settlement in the Middle East and whether:

  1. (a) the unwillingness of any particular state to take part in a general Middle East conference would in their view be sufficient reason for not holding such a conference, and in that event what are their intentions; and
  2. (b) whether their plans include a continuing United States and/or British military presence in the area.

The Earl of Caithness

There have been discussions at various levels with a number of friendly governments, including those in the Middle East, about arrangements for a settlement after hostilities. These are necessarily at a very preliminary stage. No decision has been reached on whether a general Middle East conference will be held; nor on whether or on how long there will need to be some form of Western military presence in the area. The views of the Gulf States themselves will, of course, be of the greatest importance.