§ 5. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about future defence co-operation with Zambia.
§ Mr. John MorrisApart from the Zambian Government's request for the withdrawal of the British joint Services training team in Zambia by the end of the year, there has been no development since my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made a statement on his talks 1478 with President Kaunda in London last July.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonAre we then to take it that it is incorrect that Zambia is asking Italy for assistance with military aviation?
§ Mr. MorrisI cannot answer for the Zambian Government. I have no information.
§ Mr. HooleyIn the light of the deteriorating situation in respect of Rhodesia, would it not be wise, and have we not an obligation, to enter into some conversations with the Zambian Government about their defence problems?
§ Mr. MorrisThe Prime Minister made a suggestion to the Zambian Government some time ago that there could be a joint study of Zambia's defence requirements, and the Zambian Government have not so far taken up that offer. It is a matter for the Zambian Government.
§ Mr. RipponIf the Minister cannot answer for the Zambian Government, will he answer for the British Government? What representations have the British Government made to the Zambian Government about their proposal for the withdrawal of R.A.F. officers? Will we tell the Zambian Government that if R.A.F. officers are not good enough for them they can do without our defence co-operation?
§ Mr. MorrisThere is another Question about the withdrawal of R.A.F. officers. Certainly, they have made this request. It is a matter entirely for them in the terms of the agreement which was published as a Command Paper.