§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the continued imprisonment of British mercenaries in Angola; what representations were made by the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) to the Angolan Government in this regard during his recent visit to Angola; and what response was given by the Angolan authorities.
§ Mr. RifkindWe continue to press at the highest level for the early release of the British prisoners. This was one of the major subjects that I raised during my recent visit to Luanda. I expressed our strong concern again to the Angolan Foreign Minister and urged that the men should be released soon. Angolan Ministers took careful note of my representations.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit by the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) to Angola.
§ Mr. RifkindI visited Angola from 31 October to 2 November. It was both a familiarisation visit and part of 591W the continuing ministerial contacts between our two countries. I was able to discuss a number of bilateral and regional issues. I had useful discussions with Sr. Paulo Jorge, the Angolan Foreign Minister, as well as with the Ministers of Planning, External Trade, Petroleum and Industry. I also met members of the British community.