§ 13. Sir H. Harrisonasked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the loss in revenue to the United Kingdom in a full year by Her Majesty's Government's decision preventing Lloyd's underwriters meeting their liabilities in Rhodesia.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Roy Mason)I understand that there has been a loss of business. I cannot estimate what the loss to the United Kingdom might be if it were necessary to maintain the present restrictions for a full year.
§ Sir H. HarrisonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a very depressing Answer, particularly from a Department which is supposed to encourage exports? I am told that the loss amounts to £1½ million in premiums in Rhodesia, which is undermining the goodwill of Lloyd's Exchange. Is he aware that countries like South Africa intend to keep back part of their premiums as a guarantee against such action in future?
§ Mr. MasonThe hon. and gallant Gentleman exaggerates the figure. This is a unique situation. There is a rebellion in Rhodesia. The situation can only be resolved when constitutional government returns to Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Wingfield DigbyHas the hon. Gentleman any figures of the extent of the default already or of the failure to renew premiums in South Africa because of what has happened in Rhodesia?
§ Mr. MasonI have no figures available now, but if the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question I will see whether they can be obtained.
§ Mr. Derek PageDoes not my hon. Friend agree that infinitely greater loss would result if the Government were to bend to rebellion?
§ Mr. BarberWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to find out the answer to the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, West (Mr. Wingfield Digby)? This is a very serious matter 1514 and may have consequences outside the area we are concerned with.
§ Mr. MasonAs I indicated, if the hon. Gentleman the Member for Dorset, West will put down a specific Question I will see if I can get the answer.
§ Sir H. HarrisonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.
§ 47. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the President of the Board of Trade what advice he has given British exporters who have lost, or will lose, their market in Rhodesia.
§ Mr. MasonI would advise them to sell in other export markets. All the services of the Department are at their disposal to help them to do this.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs not that a rather flippant Answer? Having by their policy of sanctions at a time of grave economic trouble for Britain thrown away a preferential market of at least £30 million a year, have the Government no useful advice to offer whatever?
§ Mr. MasonThe hon. Gentleman is tending to exaggerate. We have received few, if any, requests for advice and have had brought to our notice very few cases of hardship to exporters resulting from the sanctions.
§ Mr. Harry HyndDoes my hon. Friend agree that there would not be this difficult situation in Rhodesia if the régime there were not getting so much help from hon. Members opposite?
§ Mr. MasonThe best way to reduce any loss to British trade is to bring the rebellion to an end as quickly as possible, and this is what the Government's policy of sanctions is intended to do.
§ Mr. BarberWill the hon. Gentleman say whether it is in order for British exporters to keep in touch with their old customers in the hope of resuming trade after the rebellion is over, or whether this is against the advice of the Board of Trade?