§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to seek to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel; and on how many occasions in the last 12 months Her Majesty's Government have made specific approaches to Israel on this matter.
§ Mr. HurdWe have been trying to ensure that Palestinian prisoners held by the Israelis are treated humanely in accordance with the relevant Geneva coventions. To this end the Ten acted in support of the ICRC by making representations to the Israeli Government on 14 June 1982. Bilateral representations to Israeli authorities were also made by Her Majesty"s Government four times in June and July 1982. The Government hope that all Palestinian and Syrian prisoners held by Israel, as well as Israeli prisoners held by Syria and the PLO, will be released as soon as possible.