1. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what information he now has regarding the effect of economic sanctions on Southern Rhodesia.
§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Arthur Bottomley)On 27th April I described some of the effects of sanctions on the 1210 Rhodesian economy. Recent evidence, including some significant admissions by the régime itself, amply justifies the claims I then made about the effectiveness of our policy which we are resolved to maintain until Rhodesia returns to constitutional government. We have succeeded in obtaining overwhelming international support for our economic sanctions against Rhodesia and have now denied to the illegal régime access to nearly all Rhodesia's normal export markets outside South Africa.
Mr. TaylorWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that his assessment that the sanctions would lead to a swift collapse have proved completely wrong? As Rhodesian tobacco is reported to be selling strongly in Dutch and German markets, and now that we are looking forward to the restoration of normal relations, is it not appropriate to reconsider the sanctions, particularly as they are destroying goodwill to British trade in Rhodesia?
§ Mr. BottomleyNo, Sir. The information which the hon. Member has conveyed to me about the effectiveness of sanctions does not coincide with my judgment.
§ Mr. ThorpeWill the Secretary of State confirm that there is no truth in the rumours that Her Majesty's Government either will lift or are considering lifting sanctions at any stage during the talks? Secondly, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that he is looking into alleged breaches by British firms which have been brought to his attention?
§ Mr. BottomleyThe answer is "Yes" to both questions.
§ Mr. John LeeIs my right hon. Friend now in a position to say how long he thinks it will be before sanctions have brought down the régime, which is what we on this side would welcome?
§ Mr. BottomleyI cannot estimate the date, but I hope pretty soon.
§ Mr. SandysCan the right hon. Gentleman say how much the sanctions have cost us to date and what has been their effect on the British economy? If he is not in a position to answer off-the-cuff, will he consider issuing a detailed statement?
§ Mr. BottomleyIt is most disappointing that we get from the right hon. Gentleman questions of that kind which can only cause difficulties—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—difficulties which I inherited as a result of the right hon. Gentleman's policy.