To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the UK Government policy on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme. [67405]

We see value in Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme. Given recent events in the region, however, we understand the concerns of our EU partners that now is not the right time to decide the issue. We hope this can be resolved as soon as circumstances permit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the EU Council of Ministers will discuss the possible participation of Israel in the Fifth Framework Programme of research. [67404]

EU Ministers looked at this issue at the GAC on 27–28 April 1998. There are no plans at present to discuss this further at Ministerial level in the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what other non-EU member states are being considered for participation in the Fifth Framework Programme. [67407]

The countries being considered for full Associated Membership of the Fifth Framework Programme are: the ten Central and Eastern European countries and Cyprus (which have applied for EU membership); Israel and Switzerland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with other EU member states on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme; and what views they have expressed. [67406]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the Fifth Framework Programme with EU colleagues in the Council in April 1998. There is consensus among EU partners that no decision on Israel's participation in the programme should be taken now.