HC Deb 29 January 1988 vol 126 cc406-7W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his progress in securing the South African Government's grant of clemency in relation to the Sharpeville Six.

Mrs. Chalker

In February 1986, Her Majesty's ambassador expressed to the South African Government our concern at the death sentences and at allegations that some of the accused had been tortured. After their appeals had been dismissed last December, the members of the European Community made a collective appeal for clemency. We also supported a statement issued on behalf of the United Nations Security Council. We have since reiterated our concern direct to the South African Government.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he, or any of the Ministers in his Department, have any plans to seek to visit refugee camps or townships of the Republic of South Africa so as to ascertain the conditions prevailing there; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

No ministerial visits to South Africa are at present planned.