asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether in view of the current dispute between Eritrea and the Yemen over the Hanish islands, they accept that the United Kingdom as the former colonial power in the region, has some responsibility for the dispute; what protection they are offering to any British trading interests that may remain in the region; and what steps they are taking to promote a peaceful settlement of the dispute.

Her Majesty's Government do not consider they have responsibility for the dispute. The 1923 Treaty of Lausanne provides for the future of the islands to be settled by the parties concerned. We support efforts by the French Government and others to help resolve the dispute, and have made clear we are willing to provide access for both sides to historical documents in our possession. We continue to ensure that British shipping and aviation are kept informed of developments in the area.