§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Central (Mr. Caborn),Official Report, 16 January, columns 167–8, how many representations he has received concerning the Upington 14 in South Africa; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe have received approximately 500 representations about the Upington 14. The 14 have been granted leave to appeal by the South African Appeal Court. While legal processes continue, it would be wrong for the Government to intervene.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made any representations to the South African Government concerning the treatment of their political prisoners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe are concerned at the plight of political prisoners in South Africa. We have called repeatedly on the South African Government to release all political prisoners.