HC Deb 08 March 1966 vol 725 cc1882-3
12. Mr. Henry Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the restriction of the supply of drugs to Rhodesia, in particular the supply of P.P.D. for inoculations against tuberculosis and rabies vaccine.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

It is Her Majesty's Government's policy to allow medicines, drugs, surgical equipment and veterinary medicines to be supplied to Rhodesia.

Mr. Clark

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have information from Rhodesia that drugs, particularly for inoculations against tuberculosis and rabies vaccine, ordered in November and paid for in advance in dollars, have still not been delivered? Would the hon. Gentleman suggest that there is any purpose to be served by someone dying from hydrophobia or for the tuberculosis rate in Rhodesia to be increased? Will he kindly look into this and take action, because it is doing this country's image in Rhodesia no good at all?

Mr. Hughes

I have just told the hon. Gentleman that there is no embargo on these drugs and that they are passing through freely.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will carry this a stage further and look at the arrangements for the financing of the Medical School at Salisbury University, because there is a feeling that we are in some way impeding this, which does our image no good in Rhodesia?

Mr. Hughes

That is another question, but I shall be very glad to look at it.