§ 15. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the question of Namibia.
§ Miss Joan LestorWe support the undoubted right of the people of Namibia freely to decide their own destiny, and we shall play our part in promoting a settlement based on full self-determination.
§ Mr. HooleyIs my hon. Friend aware that I am vigorously opposed to racialism wherever it appears, whether in South Africa or the Middle East? Will she initiate discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Namibia, Mr. Séan MacBride, to see what useful diplomatic or other action we can take to bring pressure on South Africa to relinquish her hold on that territory?
§ Miss LestorI agree with my hon. Friend. We want to make a decision in the matter as quickly as possible. The Security Council has not yet resumed its debate, but we hope that it will soon do so in order that those matters may be fully discussed.
§ Mr. RifkindIn view of the international status of South-West Africa, will the Government consider making representations to the South African Government about some of the more barbaric 441 forms of punishment being carried out against those who are politically active against the present South African system?
§ Miss LestorI agree with what the hon. Gentleman said and I shall certainly bear it in mind when the discussions are resumed.