§ LORD HALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when and by what means Commonwealth consultation is taking place on the increasing urgent problems of the security of Commonwealth nationals in Uganda.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE)My Lords, we have no plans to raise this question in a Commonwealth forum. As recently as November 20 our Acting High Commissioner was assured by the Ugandan Foreign Minister that the Ugandan Government accepted full responsibility for the protection of the lives and property of all other nationals within their borders.
§ LORD HALEMy Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that I am very grateful for that Answer? In pursuing over these past few weeks, in a very difficult situation, a policy which has commanded overwhelming support and understanding, the noble Baroness has received from neighbouring Commonwealth countries forbearance, understanding and cooperation. In view of the news in The Times this morning that further discussions on these important matters are taking place on December 18, I propose, with wholly uncharacteristic restraint, to emulate that forbearance.
§ BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIEMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for his remarks, and will convey them to my right honourable friend.