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Written Answers
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books were indecent or obscene in accordance with contemporary standards as currently interpreted by the
courts.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
Young Persons (Rights)
Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the United Nations working group on the United Nations convention on the rights of the child with a view to the speeding up of the drafting process; and if any further representations are expected.
Mr. Renton: As a member of the working group, we are working to achieve a practical, balanced and useful instrument on the rights of the child. We will continue to do so.
Mr. Alton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Nations General Assembly resolutions 36/29 and 37/47, concerning the rights of young people to education, vocational training and work; and whether the Government is satisfied that its present policies are compatible with these resolutions.
Mr. Renton: The United Kingdom delegation voted for resolution 36/29 and similar United Nations resolutions on this issue as our present policies were and are compatible with these resolutions.
We attach high priority to the provision of educational and vocational training services for young people.
Brussels (Representation)
Mr. John David Taylor asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the 74 United Kingdom based officers in the United Kingdom permanent representation in Brussels have current passports issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and how many also hold passports issued by other nations.
Mr. Renton: All United Kingdom-based officers in the United Kingdom permanent representation in Brussels have current passports issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In the time available it has not been possible to determine whether any also hold passports issued by other nations. I will write to the hon. Member.
Israel (Export Licences)
Dr. Michael Clark asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now lift the ban on issuing export licences to Israel for military equipment to enable Israel to purchase items from Britain as do some of her neighbours.
Mr. Luce: Restrictions on the issue of export licences for the sale of certain equipment to Israel are kept under close review. There are no immediate plans to lift them.
Iraq (Ministerial Visit)
Mr. Latham asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a
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statement on the Minister of State's visit to Iraq; and Whether he took the opportunity to urge Iraqi leaders to agree to a ceasefire in the Gulf war and the implementation of outstanding resolutions of the Security Council.
Mr. Luce: My visit to Iraq was part of the normal pattern of Ministerial exchanges we have with the Iraqis.. I discussed number of bilateral and international issues during the visit, including the Iran-Iraq conflict. I made very clear our wish to see this distres
to an early end. Iraqi distressing conct brought
reader have frequentlDexpressed their desire to see a ceasenre agreed as soon as possible.
RECEIVE
Law of the Sea (Convention)
Mr. Douglas asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will detail the Government's current position in relation to the United Nations convention on the law of the sea, in particular whether it is proposed to sign the convention on or before 9 December; and what is the Government's policy towards the United States' overtures relating to a mini treaty of industrial nations.
Mr. Rifkind: Our policy towards the convention is being reviewed at present. British companies were encouraged to come to arrangements with other pioneers in deep seabed mining in order to avoid the possibility of overlaps of deep seabed sites. We have always recognised the need to ensure on a governmental level the results of the companies agreement and pursued discussions with other interested states. The result of these discussions is an agreement called a Provisional Understanding on Deep Seabed Matters which was signed on 3 August.
Mr. Craigen asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is undertaking a ministerial review of Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the United Nations convention on the law of the sea; and if he will list the benefits and disadvantages to the United Kingdom of remaining a non-signatory to the Convention.
Mr. Rifkind: Our policy towards the convention is being reviewed at present and the benefits and disadvantages of the convention are being considered.
Gibraltar
Mr. McQuarrie asked the Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the reason for the visit to his office of Gibraltar's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister on 21 November; and if he will make a statement on what matters were discussed.
Mr. Renton: The meeting reviewed developments since my right hon. and learned Friend last saw Sir J. Hassan on 3 October. Discussion included a review of progress in the contacts with Spain which are aimed at achieving the full normalisation of relations between Gibraltar and Spain.
Hong Kong
Mr. Stanbrook asked the Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons not of Chinese descent were naturalised as citizens of the United Kingdm and Colonies in Hong Kong in each year since 1964, respectively, and as British Dependent
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