§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received concerning the whereabouts and welfare of the civilian population who have fled South Lebanon. [125892]
§ Mr. HainMost recent reports indicate that of the 6,000 or so Lebanese (civilians and former SLA) who fled to Israel from southern Lebanon during and after the Israeli withdrawal, about one quarter have already returned to Lebanon. Those that remain in Israel have been housed and given residency for one year initially. They are entitled to work and to benefit from Israeli healthcare.