HC Deb 01 April 1968 vol 762 cc4-5W
32. Mr. Howie

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is now taking to obtain a settlement in the Middle East on the basis of the Security Council resolution of last November.

Mr. M. Stewart

The events of the past 10 days have emphasised the danger to peace inherent in a continuation of the present situation. I believe that the best hope for a settlement continues to lie in the mission of Mr. Jarring who is renewing his contacts with the parties. I share the view of my predecessor expressed on 26th February that no further statement or initiative by Her Majesty's Government would be helpful meanwhile. We are continuing to urge on all the parties involved the need to continue to co-operate with him.—[Vol. 759, c. 938.]

43. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the work of the United Nations' special representative in the Middle East.

60. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he expects that a report will be made to the Security Council by Dr. Gunnar Jarring on the Middle East situation.

Mr. M. Stewart

The Secretary-General circulated an interim report on 29th March on Mr. Jarring's mission. This will be made available in the Library of the House shortly. Although his efforts have not hitherto resulted in agreement, he is renewing his contacts with the parties, and the Secretary-General may submit a further report when the results of these are known.

Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he will make a statement on the present position in the Middle East.

Mr. M. Stewart

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton (Mr. Howie).