§ 11. Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what progress he has to report on his representations to the Zambian Government for compensation to British subjects who have been deported from Zambia.
§ Mr. George ThomsonOur High Commissioner in Lusaka has forwarded claims from seven United Kingdom citizens to the Zambian authorities, and is awaiting their reply. He will continue to press the matter.
§ Mr. BakerIs it not a scandal that a so-called friendly Commonwealth country can behave in this manner without giving any reasons whatever for its action? Will the Secretary of State consider withholding part at least of the generous grant Her Majesty's Government make to Zambia in order that a certain amount of compensation may be paid to those who have suffered?
§ Mr. ThomsonHer Majesty's Government, as I think the hon. Gentleman knows, have supported these claims on behalf of British citizens because we consider that the claimants were illegally ordered to leave Zambia at unacceptably short notice. The amounts of the claims are a private matter for the claimants. We will certainly do everything we can to support their claims. I never think that it is wise to link directly these individual cases with the general question of the provision of aid to another country.