HL Deb 28 January 1980 vol 404 cc657-8WA
Lord HYLTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How soon the inhabitants of protected and consolidated villages in Zimbabwe will regain freedom of movement.

Lord CARRINGTON

The requirement to reside in protected villages was imposed on a local basis under the emergency powers legislation. Where such requirements exist, it is the Governor's policy that they shall be progressively relaxed in relation to the effectiveness of the cease-fire. But it is not possible to say at present whether, and if so when, it will be possible to remove these requirements throughout the country.