HL Deb 27 July 1983 vol 443 cc1619-20WA
Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the presence of between 5,000 and 7,000 Palestinian refugees, of whom 75 per cent. are women and children, in the four villages of Barja, Chhime, Wadi Zeni and Siblin, all of which are north of the Awali river, they will do their best to ensure that, in the event of an Israeli withdrawal to the Awali river line, no power vacuum will ensue; and whether they will impress upon all appropriate authorities the necessity of providing immediate physical protection for these refugees.

Lord Trefgarne

We share the noble Lord's concern about the safety of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The Presidency of the European Community has recently made representations on behalf of the Ten to the Lebanese and Israeli Governments asking them to take any measures which may be necessary to ensure the protection of Palestinians in areas under their control. We shall continue to monitor the situation closely.