To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Cameroon concerning (a) the preparations of the electoral roll for this year's presidential elections and (b) the treatment by the security forces of members of the parliamentary opposition during the demonstration held in Yaounde on 6 July; and if he will make a statement.

I emphasised the importance of a free, fair and transparent election with President Biya when he visited the UK in March 2004. The UK maintains a constant dialogue with the Government of Cameroon on preparations for the election, including preparation of the electoral roll. We are aware of the incident at the opposition coalition's demonstration in Yaounde on 6 July. We monitor such events carefully.