HC Deb 13 April 1960 vol 621 cc1246-7
9. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Belgian Government about the restrictions now placed upon the convertibility of Belgian Congo currency, in view of the difficulties caused to traders in Western Uganda.

Mr. R. Allan

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies is in touch with the Government of Uganda to discover the extent and nature of the difficulties experienced by traders in Western Uganda. If, after establishing the facts, an approach to the Belgian Government seems justified we shall make one. Meanwhile, we have made sure that the Belgian authorities in Leopoldville know of the Government of Uganda's concern in this matter.

Mr. Goodhart

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that a substantial number of traders in Western Uganda face ruin from the action taken by the Belgian Government in this matter?

Mr. Allan

We would like to establish the facts first. As I say, we are prepared to take up the matter with the Belgian authorities.

Back to