§ 11. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is aware that public representatives throughout the country are being subjected to propaganda in support of the illegal régime in Rhodesia by Rhodesians an. 1212 South Africans; and if he will take steps to stop these activities.
§ The Minister of State, Commonwealth Relations Office (Mrs. Judith Hart)I naturally deplore the propaganda which has been circulated on this subject, but the British Government do not believe in suppressing freedom of speech and expression in this country. The good sense and understanding of the British people ensures that extravagant propaganda of this kind makes very little impact.
§ Mr. DempseyDoes not my hon. Friend agree that at least she could negate these activities by in turn advising civic leaders, especially those in Scotland, of the effective steps which this Government are taking in an attempt to end the rebel régime in Rhodesia?
§ Mrs. HartI think my hon. Friend will agree that of all people the people of Scotland are the least susceptible to this kind of propaganda, but the facts speak for themselves, and indeed it is very valuable to have Questions from hon. Members on both sides of the House which enable us to draw attention to the intensity with which we are pursuing the sanctions policy.
§ Mr. David SteelWhile appreciating that this propaganda cannot and should not be stopped, may I ask the hon. Lady to give publicity to the fact that air letters received by individuals in this country, apparently typewritten from individuals in Rhodesia, are often printed, stereotyped letters issued by the Rhodesian régime?
§ Mrs. HartYes, indeed, this is so. The alternative would be to impose censorship, and this obviously we would not be prepared to do; but it is true that many of these are unacceptable to, and undesired by, the people who receive them.