§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom citizens held as hostages in Lebanon.
§ Mr. MellorHer Majesty's embassy in Beirut is doing everything it reasonably can to obtain information there about the disappearance and present whereabouts of our hostages. We are in regular contact with middle eastern and other Governments who might be able to help. While we deeply sympathise with the hostages and share the anguish of their families, it is our firm policy not to make substantive concessions to kidnappers, because experience has shown that making deals leads to more hostage taking and places further lives at risk.