§ 10. Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current condition of relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of South Africa.
§ Mr. RifkindDespite recent difficulties, we continue to attach importance to the maintenance of diplomatic relations with South Africa. We welcome the lifting of the detention orders on the three men in our Durban consulate, and I can confirm to the House that the three men have now left the consulate. This removes a difficult problem and will improve our ability to make representations to the South African Government on matters of concern.
§ Mr. ProctorI welcome the good news from Durban that my hon. Friend has just given the House. Will he take this opportunity to welcome the recent release of political detainees in South Africa?
§ Mr. RifkindWe are always delighted when the imposition of detention without trial is lifted. Naturally, both sides of the House will be concerned that charges have now been levelled against the men, but they will at least be able to answer those charges in court. The South African courts have a healthy reputation for independence.
§ Mr. AndersonHave the men been charged with treason following their leaving the consulate? Now that these three brave men are no longer in the consulate, will the hon. Gentleman adopt a rather more robust view about the "Coventry Four" in relation to South Africa?
§ Mr. RifkindI am not aware that any charges have been levelled against the three men. My latest information is that the three men in the consulate were having a meeting with their families in the building in which the consulate was situated. We have already indicated our great concern at the South African Government's refusal to return the "Coventry Four".