HL Deb 13 July 1983 vol 443 cc793-5

2.45 p.m.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

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 actions they have taken and will now take to persuade the South African Government to release Nelson Mandela as called for in the United Nations Security Council resolution of June 1980.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

My Lords, we have on appropriate occasions made clear our concern about the imprisonment of all political prisoners in South Africa, including Mr. Mandela. We shall continue to do so.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that when Mr. Mandela was imprisoned in 1962 he was 45 years old and, therefore, he is now either 65 or 66 years old? Is she further aware that life imprisonment in South Africa means imprisonment until death? In these circumstances, is it not time that the Government made renewed endeavours to secure the release of this most important detainee? Finally, is the noble Baroness aware that if the South African Government persist in their certainty of retaining Mr. Mandela until his death, they themselves will regret it?

Baroness Young

My Lords, we of course voted for the United Nations Security Council Resolution No.473 in 1980. We supported the joint statement issued by the European Community in October 1982 marking the United Nations day of solidarity with political prisoners in South Africa, and of course we have made the South African Government fully aware of our views. There is no doubt that Mr. Mandela's release would be widely welcomed as evidence of the desire for reconciliation in South Africa.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that both her replies will be widely welcomed, not merely on behalf of the Government and Opposition parties, but indeed on behalf of the British people? Such thoroughly well-founded, good answers which we have heard this afternoon will be ancknowledged throughout the civilized world. Therefore, by itself the Answer that we have received in this Chamber will contribute to Britain continuing to give a lead to obtain Mr. Mandela's release from prison or at least to ensure that he is brought to trial, where the world can test for itself what, if any, his crimes have been. Therefore, I thank the noble Baroness for her replies.

Lord Walston

My Lords, as one who had the privilege and sadness some 15 years ago of visiting Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, I support the noble Lord, Lord Jenkins of Putney, and urge the Government to renew on every occasion —and particularly at this present time—the efforts that they have already made to secure his release.

Baroness Young

My Lords, I note what the noble Lord, Lord Walston, has said on this matter. I can only repeat that, of course, the South African Government are fully aware of our views.

Lord Mishcon

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that there is heartfelt wish by all sections of this House that, however welcome it be, something more constructive than her statement this afternoon could, in fact, be done? Is she aware that resolutions have been passed and that the United Kingdom has participated in them, but that nothing has been done about the imprisonment of a man which has now lasted for over 20 years? In co-operation with Foreign Ministers in Europe, could she not call in the South African ambassadors in each of the countries to acquaint them with the feeling that exists in Parliament in this country —and I have no doubt in parliaments of every European country—that something must be done by South Africa to release her political prisoners, certainly including Mr. Mandela, if she wishes to be treated with any sort of respect by the civilized world?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I have noted the proposal made by the noble Lord, Lord Mishcon, on this matter. I can only reiterate to him that the Government must be the judge of how best we can help Mr. Mandela's case. We believe that some actions could, in fact, be counter-productive. I should like to confirm that we do of course condemn the punishment of people for their political beliefs, and we have made this quite clear.

Lord Bethell

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the sentiments she has expressed are shared by many people on this side of the House as well, and also that the European Parliament has more or less unanimously voted for the release of Nelson Mandela?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that point. As I indicated in my first answer, we supported the European Community in their vote on political prisoners.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that, while we thank her for her answers, verbal pressure on the South African Government has hitherto not been productive? Therefore, is it not time to examine the possibility of something more than verbal pressure on the Government? Is it not time to consider the possibility of some more perhaps economic pressure, or something of that sort?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I note the suggestion of the noble Lord, Lord Jenkins. As I indicated to his noble friend Lord Mishcon, we have made plain to the South African Government our views on this matter. We have to judge carefully how we can best help Mr. Mandela, and I think that we must recognise that some proposals could well be counter-productive.