HC Deb 16 January 1980 vol 976 cc784-5W
16. Mr. Walters

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the Government's attitude to the present situation in the Middle East.

Mr. Hurd

The Government are greatly concerned at recent developments, the deplorable treatment of the United States hostages in Tehran and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. My right hon. and noble Friend is now visiting the region, and I will be visiting the Gulf from 18 to 24 January. Instability elsewhere in the area underlines the need also for a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israel conflict.