HC Deb 11 August 1966 vol 733 cc1853-4
4. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent oil, other than aviation fuel, for Rhodesia is being allowed to pass through Bechuanaland from South Africa.

Mr. Stonehouse

I have nothing to add to my Reply on 4th August in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd).

Mr. Fisher

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the extent of this traffic is reported to be considerable, and in any case why should any be allowed through a British Colony over which we still have control? Does not this completely conflict with the Government's policy of oil sanctions against Rhodesia, and what steps are the hon. Gentleman's Department taking to prevent this in future?

Mr. Stonehouse

The reports which the hon. Gentleman has had are quite inaccurate. Reports which I have received indicate that the supplies are really quite insignificant.

Mr. Paget

Now that the Rhodesians have been able to take off petrol rationing, is there any particular object in trying to see that someone else gets the business?

Mr. Stonehouse

That is a wider question altogether and should be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

Sir F. Bennett

As the Minister has now said that the amounts are insignificant and he presumably has some knowledge on which to base that assertion, why cannot he give us the figures?

Mr. Stonehouse

I do not think that it would be in the interests of Bechuanaland or ourselves to discuss the exact amounts that we may know about, but I am quite sure that we should not be concerned about the quantity of oil going through.

Mr. Fisher

On a point of order. If this matter is still relevant when we resume, I should like to give notice——

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman must give notice in the conventional way.