HL Deb 25 July 1979 vol 401 cc1919-20

2.40 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 whether they will state the present position on negotiations over the future of Namibia.

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (Lord Carrington)

My Lords, the five Governments announced earlier today the appointment of a senior British diplomat, Sir James Murray, as their envoy to explore with the South African Government the remaining problems relating to the implementation of the proposal for a Namibia settlement and the early arrival in Namibia of the United Nations' Transitional Assistance Group.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, in welcoming the visit of Sir James Murray to Pretoria next month, may I ask whether there is not a danger of the situation deteriorating within Namibia, as illustrated by the decision yesterday of the Nationalist Party to oppose any end to racial discrimination? Could not the two points at issue be solved if the South African forces and the SWAPO forces were both restricted to their bases pending, and during, an election under United Nations' auspices?

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord that there is an urgency about this matter, and I am very glad that Sir James Murray is taking over as the envoy of the five, at any rate for the time being, and that he will soon be going to Pretoria. I think that he will canvass with the South African Government all the possible solutions to the difficulties.

Lord HATCH of LUSBY

My Lords, may I, too, welcome the visit of the British diplomat to Namibia and Pretoria, and ask the noble Lord whether Her Majesty's Government will pay particular attention during the transitional period to the somewhat indiscriminate extraction of minerals from Namibia, which may very well have a prejudicial effect on the future of that country after it becomes independent?

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, I think that is a different question.

Lord GLADWYN

My Lords, will Sir James Murray have power to negotiate with the South African Government, or is his mission simply for information?

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, he is the envoy of the five with powers, naturally, ad referendum, to find out what is going to happen.