HC Deb 22 February 1966 vol 725 c225
37. Mr. Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will exempt from the currency restrictions at present applying to Rhodesia any funds specifically directed towards institutions supporting multi-racial education.

Mr. MacDermot

No, Sir. Each case must be considered on its merits.

Mr. Lloyd

Will not the Financial Secretary concede, whatever other objectives might be thought to be either the desirable or inevitable consequences of the sanctions, that the obstruction of multi-racial education cannot be thought to be one of them? Will he reconsider his Answer?

Mr. MacDermot

The primary objective is to bring about a return to constitutional Government by making the sanctions affective. We do allow exemptions and each one must be very carefully considered. We realise the value of multi-racial education and some exemptions have been allowed.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is not the Financial Secretary aware that charitable funds intended for missionary schools for the education of Africans in Rhodesia are being held up because of the policy of Her Majesty's Government? Is this what the Financial Secretary really wants? Does not everyone agree that education is the key to a proper future for Rhodesia?

Mr. MacDermot

I think that, generally speaking, charities have been appreciative and understanding of the Government's policy in this matter. The general rule is to allow remittances for current expenditure at the level of 75 per cent. of last year's remittances.