Written question asked by Lord Risby (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 November 2002. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 November 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met the President of Namibia; whether he discussed the present land situation in Zimbabwe; what other matters were discussed; what plans he has to assess the need for a legal programme of land resettlement in Namibia; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 4 November 2002).

Answer: Mr Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the President of Namibia; whether he discussed the present land situation in Zimbabwe; what other matters were discussed; what plans he has to assess the need for a legal programme of land resettlement in Namibia; and if he will make a statement. [78804] Mr. Rammell: [holding reply of 4 November]. :We support the need for land reform in Namibia, but any programme must be transparent and within the rule of law. My noble Friend the Minister for Africa met the Namibian Foreign Minister on 17 September. She raised our concerns about land reform in both Namibia and Zimbabwe. On the same day, President Nujoma addressed the Namibian Agricultural Union assuring them that land reform would proceed within the rule of law and would be transparent.

Secondary information