HC Deb 09 August 1966 vol 733 cc1368-9
12. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether he will now consider the withdrawal of financial assistance to the Rhodesian University, in view of recent developments there.

Mr. Greenwood

I am very conscious of the considerations my hon. Friend has in mind, and I am in touch with those in British universities who are equally concerned. Before I come to any conclusion, I shall want to know the view of the College itself on the question whether conditions still exist in which the College can carry out its multiracial function under its Royal Charter.

Mr. Hamilton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the illegal régime is now rooting out and has rooted out the most liberal elements of the university which is no longer anything but a racial institution? Will he give an assurance that he will withdraw this aid immediately he is satisfied on that point and transfer it, preferably to Zambia?

Mr. Greenwood

Recent events have been most disturbing. I have had talks with three of the lecturers who have been deported from Rhodesia, and I shall be having further talks with other interested parties in the next few days, including Professor Ingold, who has just been investigating the situation on behalf of London University. I shall want to satisfy myself on a number of points in the discussions which I propose to have.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Would not what the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) suggests be a very short-sighted policy? Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is much wiser to give aid to a multiracial university in Rhodesia than to the United Arab Republic, having regard to what it is doing in South Arabia?

Mr. Greenwood

The two points on which I want to satisfy myself are, first, what is in the best interests of the students and, secondly, whether in the present climate of opinion in Rhodesia it is practicable for the College to carry on effectively as a multiracial institution. I want to get information on those matters before I am in a position to reach a conclusion.

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