Task->Description multi-line tables

I have a multi-line table passed into task. I want to determine if not initial. Not not initial, display some text and display table.

I can get the table to display but not any logic.

/:         IF &ZNONVMIMRP_MSGS_2[1]& IS INITIAL.

*         &SYST-SUBRC&

*          INITIAL

/:         ELSE.

*         &SYST-SUBRC&

*          NOT INITIAL

/:         ENDIF.

Result: INITIAL NOT INITIAL. subrc = 4 but the IF/ENDIF. does not work.

Rick