HL Deb 12 December 1973 vol 347 cc1155-6

2.47 p.m.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what conclusions have been reached by the United Nations Security Council regarding negotiations with the Government of the Republic of South Africa on the future of Namibia and what view was expressed on behalf of the United Kingdom.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, the Security Council began discussion of South West Africa on December 10 in the light of Dr. Waldheim's report on his last round of talks with the South African Government on the future of the territory. Yesterday the Council unanimously adopted a resolution discontinuing Dr. Waldheim's mission entrusted to him by a resolution of February. 1972, but also asking him to keep the Council informed about any important new developments. The debate is to be continued and our representative will explain our position later in the proceedings.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, while thanking the noble and learned Lord for that reply, may I ask him whether it is not a little futile, as our own representatives have indicated in the past, for the Security Council to adopt resolutions which it does not have the power to implement? Would it not be possible for Her Majesty's Government to suggest to the Security Council that it might summon representatives of the republic of South Africa and the political parties in Namibia to meet with the Security Council to try to find some solution to this problem?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I agree that it must be futile to adopt resolutions which you have no power to implement. I will take note of the noble Lord's suggestion and, in case it can be implemented, I will pass it on to my right honourable friend.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, may I thank the noble and learned Lord.

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, may I ask the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor whether he has changed his role? Having had such full and satisfactory answers on subjects, I wondered whether he had been promoted to a Lord-in-Waiting.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I apologise for my occasional incursions into foreign politics, but I think that my noble friend Lord Ferrers has been rather overworked this week, and so an idle fellow like me is only too willing to help.