HC Deb 15 April 1991 vol 189 cc51-2W
Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government have taken to secure the release of South African political prisoners since August 1990.

Mrs. Chalker

We have repeatedly called on the South African Government to free all political prisoners. We welcome the fact that over 300 political prisoners have been released since February 1990.

Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the action taken by Her Majesty's Government to secure the implementation of the United Nations declaration on South Africa adopted at the 16th special session of the General Assembly.

Mrs. Chalker

We continue to encourage all sides in South Africa to maintain progress towards the broad aims set out in the United Nations declaration.

Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the South African Government concerning the immunity from prosecution of political exiles returning to South Africa.

Mrs. Chalker

We have urged the South African Government to reach agreement with the parties concerned on sensible arrangements for the return of political exiles to South Africa.

Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations the Government have made to the South African Government concerning the implementation of section B, clause 8c, of the United Nations declaration on South Africa.

Mrs. Chalker

We maintain regular contacts with all sides in South Africa. We have expressed to them the hope that full constitutional negotiations towards a non-racial, democratic society may begin as soon as possible. It is for the parties to those negotiations to decide how the new constitution should be drawn up and adopted.

Mr. Caborn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the South African Government on the Internal Security Act.

Mrs. Chalker

We have often stressed to the South African Government the need to repeal those legislative provisions, such as detention without trial, which are contrary to international norms of human rights. The South African Government are currently conducting a review of all such legislation, including the Internal Security Act.