HC Deb 17 January 1979 vol 960 cc814-6W
Mr. Hooky

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in the light of the Security Council resolution of 8th December 1978 condemning the obstruction by Israel of the work of the United Nations peace-keeping force (UNIFIL) in Southern Lebanon, what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Israel, or what other action has been taken by the United Kingdom Government.

Mr. Judd:

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the situation in South Lebanon and strongly supported the agreed statement by the president of the Security Council on 8th December concerning obstructions to the United Nations interim force in Lebanon's fulfilment of its mandate. We have since informed the Israeli Government at a high level of our views on the need for the United Nations interim force in Lebanon to be able to implement its mandate fully and deploy in all the area covered by the mandate without obstruction or harassment.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any members of the United Nations peace-keeping force in the Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed or injured in recent Israeli air and seaborne attacks in that area; and what compensation it is proposed to seek from the Israeli Government.

Mr. Judd:

No members of the United Nations interim force in Lebanon were killed or injured in the recent Israeli raids on South Lebanon. No compensation is therefore being sought by the United Nations.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to strengthen the United Nations peace-keeping forces in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL); and in particular what air defence is being provided for them in the light of recent Israeli air attacks in that area.

Mr. Judd:

Negotiations are currently in progress between the United Nations, the Lebanese Government, the Israeli Government and other interested parties about how the United Nations interim force in Lebanon can be enabled to carry out its mandate more effectively and more safely. There have been no Israeli air attacks on the United Nations interim force in Lebanon's positions. No new measures are presently envisaged to strengthen the force's military capability, nor to provide air defence cover.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contingents from EEC countries are currently deployed in the United Nations peaces-keeping force in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL); and at what strength.

Mr. Judd:

France and Ireland. The current strengths of their contingents are 1,181 and 661 respectively. A substantial number of the French contingent is due to be withdrawn in February. The Netherlands Government have announced their readiness to send an infantry battalion to the United Nations interim force in Lebanon if asked to do so by the United Nations. The British Government have important support to UNIFIL by the provision of logistic facilities in Cyprus. The Government have also helped to equip Commonwealth contingents for UNIFIL and transported the Fiji contingent to Lebanon free of charge.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the estimated contribution of the United Kingdom in £ sterling in the current financial year to United Nations peace-keeping operations.

Mr. Luard:

It is estimated that in the current financial year the United Kingdom will contribute £11,958,500 to United Nations peace-keeping forces. This does not include any contribution for which the United Kingdom will be liable if a United Nations transitional assistance group is established in Namibia before the end of the current financial year.