§ 5. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Polish Government on the effect on the Polish people of martial law; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Malcolm Rifkind)We welcomed the lifting of martial law in Poland on 22 July and the passage of an amnesty law. We expressed the hope then that the Polish authorities would use that opportunity to meet the aspirations for renewal and reform repeatedly and clearly expressed by the Polish people.
§ Mr. GreenwayI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. I am sure he is aware of the warm welcome expressed on both sides of the House for the award of the Nobel peace prize to Lech Walesa, but will he join me in regretting the heavy harassment to which he continues to be subjected, as are all those who are unpopular with the regime in Poland despite the ending of martial law, notably the two priests, Father Jankowski of Gdansk and Father Popieluszko of Warsaw? Can the Government do anything about that?
§ Mr. RifkindThe House recognises that the award presented to Mr. Walesa reflects the respect and admiration that the world holds for his contribution to 291 Poland. I have no doubt that the future of Poland cannot be resolved without a role being made available for Mr. Walesa, since he represents such a substantial body of Polish opinion.
§ Mr. CorbettThe Labour party also welcomes the lifting of martial law in Poland. Does the Minister find no embarrassment in his support, not only for the banned trade union Solidarity, but for the Trade Union Bill in Britain which will shackle the trade union movement?
§ Mr. RifkindI am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that not only does the Government's Trade Union Bill have the support of the vast majority of trade unionists, but that millions of Polish trade unionists would be delighted to have a fraction of the freedoms that British trade unions have had for more than a century.