To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the Government of Zimbabwe on the arrest and detention of Roy Bennett. (260184)

On 11 February, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political detainees. On 16 February, Foreign Office officials made clear to the Zimbabwean embassy in London our concern about the arrest of Mr. Bennett on 13 February. Improved respect for human rights and the rule of law is a condition of international development support. We will continue to monitor developments closely and encourage the new Government to meet its international obligations.