§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis Her Majesty's Government decided to hold talks with the African National Congress at ministerial level; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Government have been following with deep concern recent events in South Africa, including the declaration of a state of emergency. We decided that a meeting with the African National Congress at ministerial level offered an opportunity to impress on the ANC leadership our view that a suspension of violence on all sides is essential to help create a climate in which dialogue and negotiations will become possible.