§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with the Israeli Government about the situation of the Bedouins in the Negev. [175203]
§ Mr. MacShaneMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not recently raised this issue with the Israeli Government. In August 2003 our embassy in Tel Aviv raised with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs the situation of the Bedouin, including plans for development of the Negev, and government action to improve the standard of health among the Bedouin. During her visit to Israel in October 2003, my noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean discussed the plight of the Bedu with representatives of several Israeli human rights groups.