§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the recent visit of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to Zimbabwe.
§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs' meeting with the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe.
§ Mr. LuceMy noble Friend had a very worthwhile visit to Zimbabwe, in the course of which he had the opportunity to meet representatives of a broad cross-section of political and business opinion. He was able to learn at first hand of what has been achieved in Zimbabwe since his last visit nearly two years ago and of the prospects for the future development of the country.
He had discussions with Zimbabwe Government Ministers both on international and on bilateral questions. On international affairs, discussion was centred on Namibia and on the need to do everything possible to secure the implementation of Security Council Resolution 435.
On bilateral relations, my noble Friend and Zimbabwe Ministers reviewed the implementation of the substantial British aid programme and the contribution made by the British military advisory and training team to the integration of the three former military forces into the Zimbabwe National Army. He also took the opportunity on his visit to sign the double taxation convention, which will encourage the development of commercial relations between Britain and Zimbabwe.
§ Sir Patrick Wallasked the Lord Privy Seal how many residents of Zimbabwe hold British passports.
§ Mr. LuceNo precise figures are available but we estimate that there are some 35,000 British passport holders resident in Zimbabwe.