Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Prime Minister what representations he received and from whom concerning British policy towards South Africa prior to his meeting with President de Klerk on 22 April 1991.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received representations from a number of hon. Members, trades unions and organisations with an interest in British policy towards South Africa.
Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Prime Minister whether he raised with Mr. de Klerk at their meeting on 22 April the failure of the South African Government to take legislative action to repeal the Internal Security Act and other repressive security laws as required under the United Nations declaration on South Africa of December 1989.
§ The Prime MinisterThe South African Government are currently conducting a review of all such legislation, including the Internal Security Act. I did not discuss this specific issue. However, 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.
Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Prime Minister whether he raised with Mr. de Klerk at their meeting on 22 April578W the need for him to implement the agreement he made on 6 August 1990 that all political prisoners would be released by 30 April 1991.
§ The Prime MinisterWe discussed progress on the implementation of the agreement of 6 August 1990 reached between the South African Government and the African National Congress. President de Klerk reaffirmed his Government's commitment on the release of political prisoners.
Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Prime Minister whether he raised with Mr. de Klerk at their meeting on 22 April the need for him to implement the agreement for the granting of indemnity for political exiles by 30 April.
§ The Prime MinisterWe discussed arrangements for the granting of indemnity for political exiles. President de Klerk reaffirmed the South African Government's commitment to implement arrangements agreed between the South African Government and the African National Congress.