To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the Ir David Foundation is operating in Jerusalem in ways contrary to international agreements; and what assessment they have made of whether its activities may prejudice future negotiations for two states in Israel and Palestine. [HL3667]

We understand Ir David is a sub-group of the Elad foundation which specialises in encouraging Jewish settlement in east Jerusalem.

Settlement expansion is illegal and clearly presents an obstruction to the peace process. The UK condemns such activity. We continue to urge the Israeli Government to freeze all settlement activity as set out in the road map agreement.

My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary reiterated this in his statement to the UN Security Council on 11 May 2009.