§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ask the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Lilongwe to visit Orton and Vera Chirwa in prison, so that allegations of poor food, lack of medical treatment and the use of leg irons on Mr. Chirwa can be verified, and a comprehensive account of their conditions of detention given to aid donors and the World Bank.
§ Lord Cavendish of FurnessThe Malawian authorities do not, at present, allow access to the Chirwas. They have, however, been made aware of HMG's concern and that of the noble Lord about the Chirwas' health and the conditions under which they are held. We shall continue to ask for release of the Chirwas on humanitarian grounds and to press for access by the International Committee of the Red Cross to all Malawian prisons so that conditions may be independently verified.