§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have received information from the British High Commission in Zimbabwe on the alleged role of the ruling Zanu-PF party in Zimbabwe in a campaign of violence, intimidation and lawlessness in that country. [HL1895]
90WA
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe receive regular reports about developments in Zimbabwe from our High Commission at Harare. We are deeply concerned at the violence accompanying occupations of farms and have urged the Zimbabwe authorities to ensure that law and order is maintained.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have reviewed the possibility of President Mugabe declaring a State of Emergency in Zimbabwe; and, if a military coup with popular backing and a clearly defined timetable for new elections should be announced, whether they would then consider there to be sufficient grounds to call for the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth. [HL1896]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalPresident Mugabe has assured us that the elections in Zimbabwe will be held on time.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have received reports that, following the compulsory purchase of land from white farmers in Zimbabwe, government ministers, members of the judiciary and members of the armed forces have received farms from the state. [HL1905]
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have received reports that public servants and members of the armed forces have taken advantage of the Ordinary Tenant Farmer Scheme as "ordinary tenants" in Zimbabwe; and whether land reform there was initiated as a policy to help the poor. (HL1906)
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalYes, we have received such reports. We will only consider supporting land reform when it generally helps the poor.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Zimbabwe Government's farm policy undermines the Commonwealth's fundamental political values. (HL1908)
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalIt does not undermine Commonwealth values. But we are deeply concerned about the current farm invasions and their implications for law and order, stability and economic development.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they share the concern expressed by Human Rights Watch over the recent crackdown on press freedom in Zimbabwe. (HL1909)
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe are concerned about any threats to the freedom of the press or expression, wherever they occur, and we make our views known.