HC Deb 15 November 1965 vol 720 cc823-4

Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

Sir Charles Taylor (Eastbourne)

I did not have the opportunity to speak on the Second Reading of the Bill and, although I shall not detain the Committee unduly, I wish to say something about Clause 1. In the Army, young officers are told, when they write a precis or a paper about any situation, that they must start by saying "The object of the exercise is …" and then give the object of the exercise.

The Chairman

Order. I hope that hon. Members will withdraw quietly and not carry on loud conversations.

Sir C. Taylor

I have read and reread Clause 1, and I fail to see what the object of the exercise is. I do not know whether it is the Government's object under the Bill to create anarchy in Rhodesia. Do they want only to bring Mr. Smith to his knees? Do they want to deal with a successor? I do not know who the successor might be with whom they would want to deal.

We should be told a little more in the Bill about what the object of the exercise is. Is it the Government's intention to ask the help of the United Nations? Is it their intention not to deal with Mr. Smith at all in the future, on any conditions? Is it their intention to deal with Mr. Smith's deputy? What is the intention? No one knows under the Bill at all. Is it the intention to create an anarchy in Rhodesia?

The Chairman

Order. This does not arise on the Clause.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.