§ Q7. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minster whether he will now take steps to seek a settlement with Rhodesia.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to my statement of 27th April.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonI thought that that would be the Answer. Since hon. Members in all parts of our House have been free to visit Rhodesia, would the Prime Minister, in order to improve the atmosphere, consider facilitating Parliamentary visits here from Rhodesia? Would he, in particular, look into the case of pin-pricking impediments being placed in the way of a Rhodesian politician who wanted to come here for his regimental dinner?
§ The Prime MinisterThe position which the hon. Gentleman has obviously not appreciated is that no impediments 1866 have been placed by us on Members of this House visiting Rhodesia because this is a legal Parliament. The Parliament of Rhodesia is illegal and has been expelled from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. We can, therefore, provide no facilities. Equally, we cannot provide facilities in present circumstances for a member of an entirely illegal régime—
§ Dame Irene WardWhy?
§ The Prime MinisterBecause I think it might raise rather difficult questions for the authorities in this country if someone who was illegally in a state of treason against the Crown set foot on these shores. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would want to avoid anyone having that embarrassment.