§ 28. Mr. Goodhartasked the Minister of Overseas Development whether aid to Zambia will be reduced as a result of the cuts in overseas spending arising out of Her Majesty's Government's new economic measures.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI would refer the hon. Member to the reply of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Members for Woking (Mr. Onslow), Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley), and Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Hastings) on 26th July.
§ Mr. GoodhartWill the Minister remember that the Zambian Government in recent months have taken a number of measures which have directly harmed our economy? At a time when financial stringency is forcing us to cut down our overseas aid, is it not a luxury to subsidise those who seek to harm us?
§ Mr. GreenwoodThere are many difficulties in this situation. The hon. Gentleman should not overlook the fact that the Zambian Government and ourselves have been seeking to achieve the same end, which is the end of the illegal regime in Rhodesia. It would be wholly inappropriate for me to anticipate the cuts—or possible cuts—in the case of one country, from which it must not be deduced that any specific country at the moment is in mind.
§ Mr. WallCould not this large and increasing expenditure be ended by reaching agreement with Mr. Smith?