HC Deb 16 November 1978 vol 958 cc322-3W
Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department is giving about their safety to British business men who currently wish to visit Zambia.

Mr. Rowlands

In the present situation we are advising British business men who wish to visit Zambia to act sensibly and with restraint. If they require specific advice they should contact the high commission.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the attacks upon, and torture of, British subjects in Zambia; what representations have been made; and what effect these outrages will have upon the deployment of British military personnel and equipment in Zambia.

Mr. Rowlands

Five British nationals were recently abducted but were subsequently released. None was tortured. We have made representations both here and in Lusaka. Our high commissioner will continue to remind the Zambian authorities of their responsibility to protect our nationals. As my right hon. Friend made clear in his statement on 2nd November, no British military personnel will be stationed in Zambia.