HC Deb 31 October 1995 vol 265 cc236-7W
Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are Her Majesty's Government's priorities at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. [40023]

Mr. Hanley

The Government's priorities are: to promote the fulfilment of the principles embodied in the Harare declaration, including a return to civilian democratic rule in all member states; to promote good government; to support reform of the United Nations and international financial institutions; and to secure a commitment for increased collective Commonwealth action against serious crime, in particular drug trafficking and money laundering.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what priority Her Majesty's Government give to strengthening the Harare declaration at the Auckland Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. [40025]

Mr. Hanley

The Harare declaration has become a reference point for good government principles in the Commonwealth. High priority will be given at Auckland to encouraging all member states to adhere to the principles it embodies.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter from the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister of New Zealand setting out Her Majesty's Government's priorities for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. [40024]

Mr. Hanley

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has not written to the Prime Minister of New Zealand setting out the Government's priorities for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for Commonwealth initiatives to support human rights and democracy. [40028]

Mr. Hanley

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has proposed that within the theme for the Auckland Heads of Government meeting in November—"Fulfilling the Harare Declaration"—a prime focus should be "Advancing Fundamental Political Values". My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will take an active role in formulating practical proposals under this heading.