§ 8. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on the relations between Her Majesty's Government and Rhodesia with special reference to the effectiveness of the restriction on imports to Rhodesia and his present and future plans in this respect.
§ Mr. BottomleyOil is the only commodity the import of which into Rhodesia has been restricted. As regards the effectiveness of this restriction, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the Prime Minister's speech in the debate on the Address on 21st April. The advisability of imposing further restrictions on imports to Rhodesia is always under review and, should the circumstances so demand, further action to this end will be taken.
§ Mr. HughesWith regard to the first phrase of my Question, will my right hon. Friend take great care that, whatever negotiations take place, the British rule of law will be maintained so as to give equality of opportunity to all the citizens there regardless of colour?
§ Mr. BottomleyI hope that the British standard of the rule of law will always be maintained.
§ Mr. WallIs it not clear that the right hon. Gentleman's estimate of the effect of the sanctions has been proved wholly wrong on more than two occasions? Would he not agree that it is equally clear that vital supplies are getting through to Rhodesia?
§ Mr. BottomleyNo, Sir. I still think that my judgment is far superior to that of the hon. Gentleman's.