§ Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to the powers under which Mr. Alun Roberts was arrested in Namibia on 29 February by South African security police; what representations he has made to the South African authorities about the continued denial of consular access to Mr. Roberts and with what result; what explanation the South African authorities have given for his arrest and continued detention; and what indication they have given as to their future intentions towards him.
§ Mr. RifkindMr. Alun Roberts has since 29 February been held under a decree permitting detention for up to 30 days without charge, enacted by the Administrator-General of Namibia on 1 November 1977. We have been in regular touch with the South African authorities since Mr. Roberts' arrest. No formal explanation for the arrest has been given, but we understand from the South African authorities that Mr. Roberts will either be charged or deported as soon as the investigation is completed and that this will be within a reasonably short period.
Our vice-consul in Cape Town spoke to him by telephone on 6 March. Mr. Roberts said he was in good health.