HC Deb 06 February 1980 vol 978 cc229-30W
Miss Joan Lestor

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements have been made for the official transfer of power in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and for the independence celebrations.

Mr. Luce

These arrangements are being discussed with the Governor.

Miss Joan Lestor

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many people are still under sentence of death in Rhodesia; how many have had their sentences commuted; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

Seventeen persons are at present under sentence of death in Rhodesia. The Governor has commuted 11 death sentences to life imprisonment. No death sentence can be carried out in Rhodesia until the Governor has decided whether to exercise the prerogative of mercy.