§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Her Majesty's Government made of the current situation in South Africa before deciding to call upon the Government of South Africa to lift the state of emergency prevailing in certain magisterial districts of the Republic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe are glad that President Botha has felt able to announce the lifting of the state of emergency, a step for which we had called together with out partners in Europe and the Commonwealth. We believe this should help to reduce tension and encourage prospects for dialogue. We shall continue to follow developments in South Africa closely.