Written Answers
Brunei: Independence And Internal Affairs
asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether in their discussions regarding the independence of Brunei they will urge that the political prisoners who have been detained since 1962 be released and that those exiled in Malaysia be permitted to return home.
Discussions have been successfully concluded, providing for Brunei's assumption of full international responsibility as a sovereign and independent State at the end of 1983. Although the Government has had no responsibility since 1971 for Brunei's internal affairs, my noble friend can rely on the Government to refer to the matters he has raised on appropriate occasions.
Mutual Balanced Force Reductions: Vienna Talks
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made at the Vienna talks on mutual balanced force reductions in Central Europe.
In response to the Western initiative in April, the Warsaw Pact participants tabled counter-proposals in June. We welcome the evident effort to meet some Western concerns, but the proposals are complex and require clarification. Many issues remain unresolved, including the fundamental question of the size of the forces to be reduced.House adjourned at sixteen minutes after six o'clock.