This is a technical Bill to amend United Kingdom law to take account of Namibia's independence and membership of the Commonwealth. There have been debates both in this House and another place, not on the provisions of the Bill, which are largely uncontentious, but on the policy towards the newly independent Government of Namibia. Members of both Houses have had ample opportunity to express their opinions and I am happy to say that the debates have shown universal good will towards Namibia, a good will which was reiterated tonight by my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton).

The hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) asked several questions, to which I shall reply briefly. If any elaboration is needed, I know that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development will communicate with the hon. Lady.

As we have already said, we support the early integration of Walvis bay. In this context, "early" means as soon as practicable. It is for the Governments of South Africa and Namibia to determine the pace of negotiations. It is equally for them to determine the scope of any agreement and whether, for example, it would include the offshore islands presently administered with Walvis bay. As for encouragement, we have already emphasised in talks with the South Africans the importance of the talks to Namibia's prosperity. We believe that they will recognise the importance to the region and to themselves of an economically healthy Namibia and the key role of access to Walvis bay facilities.

The hon. Member for Cynon Valley also mentioned the inherited debt, which was referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development made it clear that Namibia is already providing in its 1990 budget for servicing and repayment of that debt. Namibia has not sought renunciation of the entire legal debt.

The hon. Lady asked several questions about aid. If I may, I shall draw them to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development. I know that she will read the Hansard report of the debate. I shall ask her to provide the hon. Lady with answers in writing. Let us all hope that the immense potential of Namibia will be realised, to use the words of my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield. On that note, I am happy to commend the Bill to the House.