To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will be in a position to take a decision on the application by the UNHCR for asylum in the United Kingdom for Sipho Mbete before 14 February when the Zambian authorities have said that they will repatriate him to South Africa.

I understand that Mr. Mbete has decided to withdraw his application and to return to South Africa. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is assisting in his return and has confirmed that his decision was made voluntarily.