HC Deb 20 November 1985 vol 87 c206W
35. Dr. McDonald

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government concerning the release of Western diplomats and journalists kidnapped in Lebanon.

Mr. Eggar

We have regularly made it clear that the holding of American, French, Italian and British hostages in Lebanon serves no useful purpose. We urge those responsible to release all the hostages unharmed. We are particularly concerned about Alec Collett, a Briton, and Dr. Thomas Sutherland, a dual British-American national. Representations on their behalf have been made to several Governments in the middle east. We will continue to work for the release of the hostages and to keep in close touch with the US, French and other Governments.