HC Deb 28 November 1979 vol 974 cc686-7W
11. Dr. Edmund Marshall

asked the Lord Privy Seal what the present position is with regard to preparations for free and fair elections in Rhodesia-Zimbabwe.

21. Mr. Marks

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the proposed Zimbabwe-Rhodesian elections.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Two senior members of the staff of the Election Commissioner-Designate are already in Salisbury to make preliminary arrangements for the holding of elections under British Government supervision in accordance with the proposals agreed at Lancaster House on 15 November.

14. Mr. Strang

asked the Lord Privy Seal when he intends next to meet the leaders of the front-line States to discuss the future of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.

Sir Ian Gilmour

I have no plans to meet them personally. However, we remain in constant contact with the leaders of the front-line States through their representatives in London and through our ambassadors and high commissioners in their capitals.

29. Mr. Ioan Evans

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on progress towards the provision of a Commonwealth or United Nations peacekeeping force to operate in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia prior to the election for a new Government.

Sir Ian Gilmour

We have made clear that we do not consider a peacekeeping force appropriate. We are, however, preparing a ceasefire monitoring group with contingents from the United Kingdom, Australia, Fiji, Kenya and New Zealand.

30. Mr. Newens

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the progress achieved up to the present towards a lasting settlement in Rhodesia.

31. Mr. Winnick

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the latest position regarding the future of Rhodesia-Zimbabwe.

Sir Ian Gilmour

I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Miss Lestor).

32. Mr. John Evans

asked the Lord Privy Seal if his noble Friend plans to visit Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.

Sir Ian Gilmour

My right hon. and noble Friend has no plans to do so.

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