§ 30. Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made regarding the arrests of trade unionists in Zimbabwe on and after Friday 1 March.
§ Mr. RifkindWe have no standing to make formal representations on behalf of non-British citizens. With regard to the British subject detained during the same period, a deportation order has been served on him but not yet implemented. Our high commission has been instructed to tell the Zimbabwean authorities that we hope his case will be speedily resolved.
§ 38. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking within the Commonwealth to inhibit civil conflict in Zimbabwe.
§ Mr. RifkindThe domestic affairs of a member are not discussed within the Commonwealth without the express approval of the Government concerned. However, the Zimbabwean authorities are well aware of our hope for a political solution to the problems of Matabeleland and for political reconciliation in general, as well as of our concern about recent reports of abduction and murder. It should be remembered that all the main political parties have been the targets of violence.