Namibia Bill [Lords]

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am 8:30 pm ar 12 Chwefror 1991.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Ann Clwyd Ann Clwyd Shadow Secretary of State for International Development 8:30, 12 Chwefror 1991

I appreciate that point, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and I am bringing my remarks to a close.

Namibia is now a Commonwealth country and the Bill reinforces its status as such. The present situation is an example of what could happen elsewhere in southern Africa. Will the Minister therefore explain why, over the next three years, the Government are to provide only about a quarter of the bilateral aid that is to be provided by Sweden, and far less than many other countries are providing?

Given that the most organised part of the Government's aid to Namibia so far is in military and police training, it is not good enough to say that all police forces should operate on the basis of full respect for human rights and the law. Hon. Members asked last week for the assurance that training will have a specific human rights component. Will the Minister now assure us that that will be the case?

I have several other questions, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but I will not strain your considerable patience tonight, as we had a full debate last week. Nevertheless, I should be grateful if the Minister would respond more fully to my questions when he has an opportunity.

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