§ Mr. Buckasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the circumstances of the death in Botswana of Nicholas Love.
§ Mr. RowlandsAs the hon. and learned Member will be aware, Mr. Nicholas Love was shot by members of the Botswana Defence Force on 29th March, together with two South Africans.
My right hon. Friend and I were greatly saddened to hear of the tragic death of this young man and would like to take the opportunity to extend to his family and friends our most sincere sympathy in their sad loss.
Since he was first informed of the incident on 30th March, our High Commissioner in Gaborone has maintained the closest contact with senior Botswana officials. My right hon. Friend has instructed him to register our deep concern and he is endeavouring to ensure that the High Commission will be represented at any inquest or inquiry that takes place. A post mortem was held on 1st April and we have asked for a copy of the conclusions. Meanwhile, an investigation is being carried out by the Botswana police.
We enjoy the friendliest of relations with Botswana and they have in President Seretse Khama a man who is widely respected in this country. We are therefore in no doubt that the Botswana Government share our desire to establish the full facts, and we have just heard that the President will be seeing our High Commissioner in Gaborone this afternoon to discuss the case.