Israel (Nuclear Weapons) (Hansard, 25 March 1988)

Dr. Thomas
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Israeli Government to encourage them to sign the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.

Average number of recipients of rate rebate² in the years 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88
Thousands

Year Elderly Sick and disabled Unemployed People in work Others Total

1985–86 4,120 550 1,340 340 670 7,020

1986–87 4,030 670 1,350 260 740 7,050

1987–88 4,040 670 1,260 260 800 7,030

¹ Separate figures were not collected for lone parents.

² The figures given are based on recipients of rent rebate, as all types of tenure—local authority and private tenancies, and owner occupation-are included. Most tenants receiving rent rebates or rent allowances also receive rate rebates.

242W

§ Mr. Mellor
We take every opportunity to urge the Israeli Government to sign the non-proliferation treaty.

Dr. Thomas
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he possesses on Israeli nuclear weapons capability.

§ Mr. Mellor
We have no evidence either to confirm or deny that Israel possesses nuclear weapons. Although she has refused to sign the non-proliferation treaty she has consistently declared that she will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the region.

Average number of recipients of rate rebate² in the years 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88 Thousands
Year	Elderly	Sick and disabled	Unemployed	People in work	Others	Total
1985–86	4,120	550	1,340	340	670	7,020
1986–87	4,030	670	1,350	260	740	7,050
1987–88	4,040	670	1,260	260	800	7,030
¹ Separate figures were not collected for lone parents.
² The figures given are based on recipients of rent rebate, as all types of tenure—local authority and private tenancies, and owner occupation-are included. Most tenants receiving rent rebates or rent allowances also receive rate rebates.