Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Tapsell Excerpts

Tuesday 15th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

I outlined the steps that are being taken in response to the previous question. The hon. Lady draws attention to another outrageous and unacceptable statement by the Iranian leadership, which is part of a long line of such statements about the state of Israel and other nations in the region. We continue to deliver our protests and to take the practical action I have outlined.

[Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con)]

In the context of the very important question of Iran, may I tell my right hon. Friend that in my memory, since the days of Ernest Bevin, I have never known a Foreign Secretary surrounded simultaneously by so many difficult problems? I want to tell him how much I admire the coolness and efficiency with which he is dealing with them.

[Mr Hague]

My hon. Friend is always respected as one of the wisest Members of the House. The fact that his recollections go back as far as Ernest Bevin is an inspiration to us, and the conclusion he draws is an inspiration to me.