HC Deb 07 March 1989 vol 148 cc481-2W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are his reasons for making representations to the South African Government on behalf of the Sharpeville Six.

Mrs. Chalker

In the case of those sentenced to death in South Africa, we consider making representations only in cases that are clearly political, and where there are strong extenuating circumstances or grounds to doubt the fairness of the judicial process. We do so exceptionally, and when all other avenues have been exhausted.