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8 MARCH 1982
office in Jerusalem; how this is paid for by member States, inging the United Kingdom; and when its staff last un ok any duties involving the supervision of a truce.
Mr. Hurd: The United Kingdom does not contribute to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, which is financed from the regular budget of the United Nations. I shall write to the hon. Member when I have the other details he has requested.
Southern Lebanon 345/2
Mr. Latham asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's ambassador in Israel was instructed to meet Israeli Government officials regarding the situation in Southern Lebanon at or about the same date as Her Majesty's ambassadors in Beirut and Damascus were having similar meetings with the Governments of Lebanon and Syria; and if so, what was the outc
what was the outcome discussions.
those
Mr. Hurd: The British ambassador in Israel was instructed to make known to the Israeli Government Her Majesty's Government's concern that the ceasefire in South Lebanon should be maintained. Similar approaches were made at about the same time to the Governments of Syria and Lebanon. These discussions were confidential.
Mr. Latham asked the Lord Privy Seal, pursuant to his replies to the hon. Member for Meltun of 22 February, Official Report, column 306, why, in view of the fact that both men control substantial numbers of armed men operating in Southern Lebanon, and the United Nations interim force has to deal with both, Her Majesty's ambassador contacted Yasser Arafat regarding tension in the Southern Lebanon, but not Major Haddad.
Mr. Hurd: The Palestine Liberation Organisation enjoys widespread support among Palestinians, both in Lebanon and elsewhere. It is an organisation of undeniable significance whose views must be taken into account if a just and durable peace is to be achieved in the Middle East. We therefore consider it right that British officials should maintain occasional contact with Palestine Liberation Organisation representatives.
Major Haddad's forces only maintain their occupation of part of Southern Lebanon by virtue of the support of the Israeli Government, to whom we have also made known our concern about the situation in the area. We do not think it useful for British officials to have contact with Major Haddad or his representatives.
Judaea and Samaria
Mr. Latham asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, as it is the stated policy of Her Majesty's Government that Israeli settlements in Judaea and Samaria are illegal, he will indicate which country or countries Her Majesty's Government regards as being the legal owners of Judaea and Samaria from 1948 to the present; and which country or countries other than Israel currently lay territorial claims to Judaea and Samaria.
- Mr. Hurd: In the Government's view, Israeli settlements in the territories which historically formed part of Judaea and Samaria are illegal by virtue of the fact that their establishment is inconsistent with Israel's status as an occupying power and is contrary to certain provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a party.
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The Government recognised Jordanian sovereignty over these territories in 1950. Jordan has made clear that she maintains her claim to sovereignty over the West Bank until such time as the Palestinians are able to decide its future for themselves.
Hong Kong Carcinogenic Chemicals)
Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal which chemicals used in the electronics industry may be used in Hong Kong but have been banned from such use in the United Kingdom.
Mr. Hurd [pursuant to the reply, 24 February 1982, c. 439]: No substances are banned exclusively in the electronics industry in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Carcinogenic Substances Regulations 1967 prohibit generally the use of Betanaphthylamine, 4-Aminodiphenyl, 4-Nitrodiphenyl and Benzidine. No similar prohibition exists in Hong Kong but, as far as is known, such substances are not used in the electronics industry there.
Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal what measures are used by the Hong Kong Government to ensure that carcinogenic chemicals are not illegally used in Hong Kong factories; and how many staff are engaged in such work.
Mr. Hurd [pursuant to the reply, 24 February 1982, c. 439]: The Hong Kong Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and subsidiary regulations provide for the control of harmful substances, including carcinogenic chemicals other than radioactive substances. However, it has not been necessary to prescribe any such control so far. 189 staff are engaged in inspection and enforcement duties generally under the ordinance.
Mr. Parry asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any system to monitor workers' health in circumstances where they may be exposed to carcinogenic chemicals exists in Hong Kong; and whether any procedure to investigate related complaints exists.
Mr. Hurd [pursuant to the reply, 24 February 1982, c. 439]: Any medical practitioner who believes that a person is suffering from any of the notifiable occupational diseases, which include skin cancer, specified in the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Notification of Occupational Diseases) Regulations must notify the Director of Medical and Health Services. Medical officers of the occupational health division of the Labour Department also carry out medical checks on workers suspected of suffering from any occupational disease. The Radiation (Control of Radioactive Substances) Regulations require record of exposure and regular medical examination of workers using radioactive chemicals. Complaints regarding safety and health at work are fully investigated by the occupational health division or the Factory Inspectorate.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL
Land Titles
Mr. Weetch asked the Attorney-General what is the extent of compulsory land registration in the county of Suffolk; how many registered titles there are in that county; and what proportion these bear to the total number of titles in 1976 and 1981.
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