§ Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether, pursuant to her reply to the hon. Member for Melton on 20 July, Official Report, c. 111, she is satisfied with the balance of ministerial visits to the Middle East, in view of the fact that 14 Ministers, including the Prime Minister, visited 31 Arab countries including several visits to the same countries while two Ministers visited Israel over the past 12 months.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. I am conscious of the need to maintain a balanced approach to the Middle East. This is one of the many factors which are taken into account in planning ministerial visits overseas.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether, prior to the recent hostilities in the Lebanon, it was the policy of Her Majesty's Government that Ministers should be discouraged from visiting Israel, in order to avoid offending Arab nations.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. It was, and remains, our policy to maintain our friendly relations with Israel, as well as with the Arab countries.