HC Deb 13 February 1987 vol 110 cc400-1W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts have been established by members of his Department with Christian Organisations for Social, Political and Economic Change, in particular the organisation called Church Action on Namibia; and if he will list all meetings that have taken place with members of Christian Organisations for Social, Political and Economic Change and Church Action on Namibia in relation to the Nambian independence issue.

Mrs. Chalker

We have had contacts on Namibia with various Christian organisations. A comprehensive list of meetings with such organisations is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he or officers of his Department last met members of a Namibian political party.

Mrs. Chalker

The last such meeting was when a senior official in my Department met members of a Namibian political party on 10 February in Luanda.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the future of Namibia.

Mrs. Chalker

We remain committed to the independence of Namibia on the basis of the peaceful implementation of UNSCR 435, which is the only internationally agreed basis for a settlement. We have consistently supported the path of negotiation towards its implementation.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends next to meet the Government of the United States of America to discuss the failure of the contact group to bring about Namibian independence; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

We maintain regular contact with the Government of the United States of America on Southern African questions, including Namibia.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans any changes in Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Namibia in the light of the report, entitled "Human Rights and Namibia", published by the International Society for Human Rights last year, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Our policy on Namibia is well known and unchanged. We remain fully committed to the independence of the territory on the basis of the peaceful implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 435.