To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the UN on the proposed referendum of the Saharawi people on the future status of the Western Sahara.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not discussed the question of Western Sahara with the UN Secretary General, but our officials in New York are in regular contact with UN officials. We will continue, through my meetings and those of my officials to discuss this issue with all interested parties.

The UK Permanent Representative to the UN, met the Head of the Polisario, Mr. Mohammed Abdel Aziz on 3 November and discussed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing negotiations under UN auspices.