HC Deb 04 May 1988 vol 132 c466W
37. Mr. Galloway

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in the light of the current situation on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, if he will give consideration to applying selective economic sanctions against Israel; and If he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

Economic sanctions would not help bring about a solution of the problems of the region.

80. Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the recent Israeli terrorist activity in Tunisia has affected Her Majesty's Government's policy towards a settlement in the middle east; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

We remain determined to work for a peaceful settlement of the Arab/Israeli conflict. Violence and terrorism offer no solution to the problems of the middle east.

Mr. Janner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between the United Kingdom and Israel.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

We have always wanted to see Israel safe and secure. But Israel's own recent actions have made it more difficult for her friends to help her to achieve those objectives. We shall go on trying, not least by promoting the peace process. We hope that Israel will reciprocate those efforts. In particular, we urge Israel to make clear that she accepts that the only way for her to achieve lasting security is to endorse the principle of territory for peace.