§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 16 October (WA 132), whether the diplomatic protection they have given to United Kingdom nationals whose farms and other properties in Zimbabwe have been unlawfully seized, occupied or damaged is of the same level as that given by the Governments of Germany and the Netherlands to their nationals in Zimbabwe. [HL5021]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe British High Commission in Harare will provide assistance to any British national requesting it. The German and Dutch Governments have ratified a bilateral investment protection agreement with the Government of Zimbabwe. This gives them an 137WA additional basis on which to discuss issues on behalf of their nationals. The UK and Zimbabwe signed such an agreement in 1995, but this was not ratified by either side. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials would be happy to discuss this issue further with the noble Lord, should he request a meeting.