§ Mr. Marlowasked the Lord Privy Seal what assessment he has made of the effects that the implementation of trade sanctions against Iran will have on (a) speeding the release of the United States hostages, (b) strengthening the moderate forces in that country, (c) the long-term improvement in relationships between Europe and the Middle East and particularly Iran and (d) reducing the influence of the Soviet Union in the Middle East, particularly Iran.
§ Mr. HurdI have little to add to the reply which I gave on 14 May, and points which I made during the debate on the Iran (Temporary Powers) Bill on 347W 12 May—[Vol. 984, c. 918.] The Government have considered carefully the likely effect of sanctions on Iran. In taking sanctions we wish to demonstrate to Iran that it cannot expect to enjoy fruitful relations with the West while it continues to flout the basic principles of international law. Once the hostages are released, there need be no obstacle to friendly co-operation with Iran.