§ 82. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the Government, following the recent political difficulties in Lesotho, has pursued a different policy from that followed in case of similar difficulties in other independent Commonwealth countries in Africa; whether recognition is still given to the Government headed by Chief Leabua Jonathan; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FoleyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 2nd March to Questions by the hon. Members for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen), and Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) and my hon. Friend the Member far Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd). Her Majesty's Government are applying the normal criteria for recognition in the case of Lesotho, and are not following a different policy from that followed where questions of recognition have arisen in other independent Commonwealth countries in Africa. No decision on the recognition of Chief Jonathan's administration has yet been taken.—[Vol. 797, c. 10–11.]