To ask Her Majesty's Government what reports have they received from the Quartet concerning the industrial zones plan in the occupied West Bank of Palestine. [HL816]

The Office of the Quartet Representative continues to work closely with the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel to facilitate the creation of industrial parks in the West Bank, at Tarqumiya, the Jenin Industrial Park, the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park and the Bethlehem Industrial Park. The international community is committed to advancing these projects to attract further foreign investment, create jobs and promote overall economic growth.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what reports they have received from the Quartet's Representative to the Middle East, Tony Blair, concerning progress in dismantling checkpoints and free movement within the West Bank for Palestinians. [HL818]

The Office of the Quartet Representative (OQR) reports to the Quartet on the progress of its work. Quartet Representative to the Middle East, Tony Blair, and my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs are in regular contact. There have been significant improvements in the flow of traffic in areas of the West Bank, mainly in urban areas. Some key checkpoints, critical to improving the economy, have been removed, opened or had their opening hours extended. Nablus in particular has benefitted.

We are fully supportive of the work of the Office of the Quartet Representative.