§ 21. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Minister of Overseas Development what steps he is taking in order to improve the feeding standards of the African peoples of Rhodesia.
§ Mr. BottomleyI regret that present circumstances do not permit such action.
§ Mr. KingIs it not without precedent to impose hunger on an African population for whom in law we are still responsible and for whom the right hon. Gentleman has accepted responsibility? Have any civil servants threatened to resign on grounds of conscience in carrying out such horrible policies?
§ Mr. BottomleyIf the hon. Gentleman will exert such authority as he has in Rhodesia to secure a return to legality, then we can give the help that is necessary.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyBearing in mind the United States sanctions against Rhodesia, is the Minister aware that recently a firm in America held a fashion parade in Salisbury of the latest American clothes? Does not the Minister think that the money involved in doing that would have been better spent on giving economic aid?
§ Mr. BottomleyI am sure that when the Rhodesians see all these delightful goods they will be running short of money in due course and will not be able to buy them.
§ Mr. John LeeDisregarding the sanctimonious undertones of this Question, is there not a point of substance 719 here? Do not we need to set a target date for the overthrow of this régime by sanctions, otherwise the African population will suffer?
§ Mr. BottomleyThat, again, is a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs.