HC Deb 10 December 1968 vol 775 cc203-4
Q1. Mr. Judd

asked the Prime Minister what proposals he has received from Commonwealth Governments for the establishment of a Commonwealth training programme for Rhodesian Africans at the forthcoming Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference; and what action he proposes to take.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

The United Kingdom already makes a major contribution to the special Commonwealth Programme for training Rhodesian Africans, which was introduced in July, 1966, in accordance with the decision taken by the Commonwealth Prime Ministers at Lagos earlier that year.

Mr. Judd

Does my right hon. Friend agree that in this complex situation, to get an increased commitment from the Commonwealth next month for this practical programme to support the principle of African majority rule would be a good thing?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend will be aware that we took the initiative in the matter in 1966. Since that time we have approved 100 awards to Rhodesian Africans and, in addition, over 100 have been placed in other Commonwealth countries either under the special programme or by other means. This is obviously the kind of co-operation we could discuss at the Commonwealth Conference.

Mr. Thorpe

Since the Government's latest and welcome proposals for helping African education are conditional upon acceptance of the "Fearless" proposals, can the Prime Minister say whether any judgment has been passed on them by the African Nationalist leaders? Indeed, is the Prime Minister satisfied that, from their respective places of imprisonment, they are free to make known their views to Her Majesty's Government?

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said on the point recently. There is some doubt about the conditions in which, at any rate, one of the African Nationalist leaders is held at present. I do not think that this affects the position concerning our offer on education. The right hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that our proposals for advanced training, which is the subject of the Question, go on regardless of what may happen in Rhodesia.