HC Deb 26 June 1974 vol 875 cc1538-9
10. Mr. Hooky

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he intends to seek any meeting later in the year with Mr. Sean McBride, United Nations High Commissioner for Namibia.

Miss Joan Lestor

My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to meet Mr. McBride, but he will, of course, be glad to see him if an opportunity occurs. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State had a useful meeting with Mr. McBride at New York on 9th April and I myself had a valuable meeting with him in London.

Mr. Hooley

Although I welcome the discussions which have taken place with the High Commissioner for Namibia, does not my hon. Friend agree that it is now high time that Her Majesty's Government accepted without equivocation the judgment of the International Court, the decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations and the decision of the Security Council that the occupation of Namibia by South Africa is totally illegal? Will Her Majesty's Government now use all possible diplomatic pressure to bring that occupation to an end?

Miss Lestor

I appreciate my hon. Friend's concern. We are all anxious to reach a decision on Namibia as quickly as possible, and the matter is under active consideration by all of us. My hon. Friend will appreciate that there are difficult legal aspects involved. This is one of the things that has made the process of reaching a decision take a little longer than we had hoped. But we are making progress and I hope that before too long we shall be able to announce our decision.

Mr. Stanbrook

When will the Government give up their foolish diplomatic vendetta against the Government of South Africa and, if they want to affect its policies, try something more constructive?

Miss Lestor

Most of that question will come up under Question 12. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will try to raise it then.