Copy
requ'd
σ
S,
515
Written Answers
Нк коноп
RECEIVED IN REG23171 M. 51%. R20251) 23 JUN 1980
18 JUNE 1980- OFFICER
PA
4. Mr. Robert Atkins alked the bord Privy Seal what progress he had hade da conjunction with his European Economic Community colleagues in the davon ment of a new initiative towards solving the Palestinian problem.
Sir Ian Gilmour: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 16 June-[Vol. 986, c. 1126-27]—the European Council issued a statement on the Middle East in Venice on 13 June. The Nine will determine their future action in the light of the contacts with the parties concerned called for in the statement. The Nine's objective is to reconcile Israel's legitimate security con- cerns with the political rights of the Palestinians.
Palestine Liberation Organisation 7. Mr. Freeson asked the Lord Privy Seal what contacts Her Majesty's Govern- ment have had at any level, within the past year, with representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
Mr. Hurd: We maintain occasional and informal contacts with representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation at official level in London and elsewhere, including Arab capitals and New York. These have continued during the past year. There have been no ministerial contacts other than an occasional en- counter on social occasions.
Afghanistan
8. Mr. Kenton asked the Lord Privy Seal what further initiatives he will be discussing with his European Economic Community counterparts in regard to the Russian invasion of Afghanistan.
Mr. Hurd: We continue to seck an arrangement which would allow Afghanistan to return to its traditional position as a neutral and non-aligned State. This initiative receives the full support of the Nine.
New Territories (Hong Kong) 13. Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is satisfied with the present situation concerning the Peking conven- tion of 1898 and the lease of the New Territories, Hong Kong.
Mr. Blaker: Yes.
40 P 6
REGISTAMU Answers
Action TekenFI
Disarmament
516
517
1. Toan Ex asked the Lord Priv Seat what practical proposals he intends to make to carry out the United Nations programme of action on dis armament; and if he will make a state-
ment.
Mr. Hurd: The United Kingdom is actively participating in most of the negotiations outlined in the programme of action agreed at the United Nations special session on disarmament. Our first priority is to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion. Regrettably, re- cent events in Afghanistan have reduced the chances of early results.
Helsinki Agreement
· 16. Mr. Sainsbury asked the Lord Privy Scal what representations he has received about the forthcoming Madrid conference
to
renew the Helsinki agreement on European co-operation and security.
Mr. Blaker: As part of their prepara- tions for the Madrid meeting Ministers and officials continue to receive and take note of representations from -individuals and organisations concerned with imple- mentation of the Helsinki Final Act.
29. Mr. Sproat asked the Lord Privy Seal what latest discussions he has had with ambassadors from Warsaw Pact countries regarding the implementation of baskets 1 and 3 of the Helsinki Agree- ment.
Mr. Blaker: Questions relating to the Helsinki Final Act have been discussed
by Ministers and officials with represen- tatives of Warsaw Pact Embassies on a number of occasions. We have continued to emphasise the importance we attach to proper implementation of the Helsinki Final Act by all signatory States.
Uganda
18. Mr. Whitehead asked the Lord Privy Seal what recent communications have been received from the present military régime in Uganda and from former President Binaisa, respectively; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Luce: We are dealing normally with the Uganda Government. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister sent a
DATE 18.6.80 COL. ..$.IS
VOL 986
brief rep letter of
the Lord High Co June.
17. M Privy Se on progr the New
20. Mi the Lord
a statem situation
22. Mi Seal if h about the the New
Mr. Bla add to 16 June. committe integrity is too so
encourage tomorrow New Hel Stephens.
21. MA Privy Sea about reli
Mr. La Britain a
substantia
assistance
announce
request f Developm just comp
disci ss ta commitm was held on the set Southern good prog
28. Mr. Privy Sea Iranian tion into Governm
43 P 7
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.