HC Deb 14 February 1967 vol 741 cc332-3
17. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how many Commonwealth countries do not have diplomatic relations with Her Majesty's Government.

20. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had about the resumption of diplomatic relations with Tanzania.

Mrs. Hart

Tanzania is the only independent Commonwealth country which is not in diplomatic relations with Britain.

There have been no discussions with a view to resuming them. As my predecessor informed this House on 26th July, 1966, it is normal practice to look to the country which has broken diplomatic relations to take any such initiative

Mr. Goodhart

Is the hon. Lady aware that since Tanzania broke off diplomatic relations with us we are giving her £6 million of aid, which is more than the annual savings we are to make in Malta? Is she further aware that Tanzania has nationalised a great many British companies? As she has said that she wishes to be independent of foreign aid, will we therefore stop trying to force unwelcome aid down her throat?

Mrs. Hart

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to previous replies on this point. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said as recently as 27th January: Aid, when it is a question of … teachers, hospital staffs and others … cannot and should not be switched on and off like a tap".

Mr. John Lee

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that, although it may be the normal practice for a country which has broken off diplomatic relations to ask for their resumption, bearing in mind that many hon. Members on this side of the House have great admiration for President Nyerere, may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government will take steps to resume discussions as soon as possible?

Mrs. Hart

These matters are always extremely delicate. We should be very happy if we were to receive approaches from the Government of Tanzania.