HC Deb 13 November 2000 vol 356 cc507-8W
Mr. Stephen Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about when the Palestinian Authority plans to reopen schools in the areas under its jurisdiction. [R] [137498]

Mr. Hain

The Palestinian Authority reopened the majority of its schools, colleges and universities on 7 October. They had been closed from 29 September until 7 October for security reasons. Some establishments have remained closed because of continuing operational difficulties.

Mr. Stephen Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Palestinian Authority regarding the reopening of schools. [R] [137499]

Mr. Hain

Most schools were reopened on 7 October.

Mr. Stephen Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received regarding the closure of Palestinian schools in recent weeks. [R] [137497]

Mr. Hain

The Palestinian Authority closed all its schools, colleges and universities from 29 September until 7 October, when the majority reopened. Schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) were closed for the same period. Some establishments remain closed because of the continuing operational difficulties.