HC Deb 04 May 1988 vol 132 cc461-2W
23. Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent communications he has had with the Government of South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

We maintain regular contact with the South African authorities, both here and via Her Majesty's ambassador, on a wide range of issues.

48. Mr. Evennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria influence his decision to talk to, and acknowledge, some black South African leaders and not others.

90. Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria influence his decision to talk to and acknowledge some leaders in South Africa and not others.

Mrs. Chalker

Our policy is to maintain contact with a wide cross-section of black South African opinion.

56. Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further response he has received from the South African Government to his representations on behalf of the Sharpeville Six; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

A defence application for a retrial is currently under consideration. We continue to follow the progress of the case closely and with concern.