§ Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilsonasked to the Lord Privy Seal if he will make urgent representations to the President 384W of Malawi to secure either the release or the trial of those Britons who have been held without trial in that country for considerable periods; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceThe only United Kingdom national in custody in Malawi was tried and convicted of theft in April 1980. Seven other British residents have been charged with offences. I have already made representations at the highest possible level about bringing promptly to trial six of them charged with fraud. Two cases have been heard, but verdicts are awaited. Two are due for trial on 23 February and the others are due to follow soon. We continue to keep the situation under close review, and to press the authorities for speedy completion of the cases.