Namibia

HC Deb 23 March 1979 vol 964 cc184-5W

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the highest figure mentioned by the Western negotiators during discussion of the strength of the United Nations force for Namibia was 3,000 troops.

Mr. Luard

It is not our policy to reveal the contents of confidential exchanges with other Governments. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the five Western Governments' proposal for a Namibian settlement contained in Security Council document S/12636.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will place in the Library the complete series of documents, letters and texts of speeches by Her Majesty's Ministers at the United Nations and elsewhere on the subject of South-West Africa, the South-West Africa People's Organisation and the West's plan for an independent Namibia since 22 December 1978.

Mr. Luard

United Nations' documents on Namibia have already been placed in the Library. No speeches dealing specifically with Namibia have been made by Ministers since 22 December 1978. Many of the other documents and letters relating to Namibia remain confidential.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will place in the Library, after consultations with the South African Government where appropriate, the full text of any exchanges between British and South African Ministers or diplomats on the subject of South-West Africa, the South-West Africa People's Organisation and Namibia since 22 December 1978.

Mr. Luard

No. It is not the Government's policy to make public confidential exchanges with other Governments.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish the text of the undertaking given to the Namibian National Front by the five Western powers on 31 March 1978.

Mr. Luard

No: it is not for Her Majesty's Government to reveal the contents of private talks between the Namibian National Front and representatives of the five Western Governments.