§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit by the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
§ Mr. RifkindI visited Zimbabwe from 2 to 5 November. I was able to discuss a number of bilateral and regional issues. I had useful meetings with the Prime Minister, Mr. Mugabe, and with Zimbabwean Ministers, other leading figures in the community and British business men. I also addressed the British Zimbabwe Society. I saw something of the working of the British Council in Zimbabwe and visited projects associated with British development aid and with the British military advisory and training team. During my visit I reiterated our concern for the early release of the air force officers remaining in detention.