To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Israeli ambassador to discuss the Israel-Palestine peace proposals.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met the ambassador briefly last week. We are in frequent contact with the Israeli Government at the highest level to discuss the peace process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report on progress towards a middle east peace settlement.

The peace process continued in a fourth round of bilateral negotiations in Washington last week. A regional settlement remains an important and realistic aim. It is encouraging that all parties remain determined to continue the process. I applaud Secretary Baker's continued commitment to a settlement. We will maintain our full support.