Rhodesia

HC Deb 13 October 1969 vol 788 cc20-2

16. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the estimated annual rate of growth of the Rhodesian gross domestic product in real terms since the policy of sanctions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Foley

On the basis of the illegal régime's own figures, and taking into account their estimates of the increases in the cost of living and population, it can be calculated that the level of real income per head in Rhodesia was about 92½ per cent. of the 1965 level in 1966; and about 94½ per cent. of the 1965 level in both 1967 and 1968.

Mr. Biffen

Is it not now quite clear that, even on those calculations, which purport to demonstrate a deteriorating economic situation, no consequential change of heart has taken place politically? Should not the Government now urgently reconsider a policy which is so manifestly failing?

Mr. Foley

No, I do not agree. In essence, the figures which I quoted were in relation to the Question. If one wanted to look at other figures, one would see that the exports from Rhodesia are 40 per cent. down on what they were in the pre-I.D.I. period—and this at a time of a boom, an expansion, in Rhodesia. The fact that sanctions have not achieved the end which we wanted is no reason to abandon them. It is just over a year since the United Nations imposed mandatory sanctions. What we are looking for from the Opposition is support to make sanctions effective.

Mr. Mikardo

Is it not a fact that this only marginal effect of sanctions on the economy of Rhodesia is due to a large-scale evasion of them by some businessmen in some countries, with the connivance of some Governments, some of whom are our allies and some of whom are seeking that we should join them in the Common Market? Surely the Government have some influence with them—or have they not?

Mr. Foley

There are three areas of evasion of sanctions. The first is South Africa and Portugal, who have refused to apply the sanctions policy. The second is the countries neighbouring Rhodesia like Zambia and Botswana, who, for historical reasons, will take time to diversify their economic dependence on Rhodesia. Third, there are nations which have subscribed to the sanctions policy at the United Nations and yet do some £44 million a year trade with Rhodesia: although they subscribe in principle they do not carry out that principle in practice.

17. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to extend sanctions against Rhodesia to include postal, telephone and telecommunication services in the light of the situation now prevailing in that country.

Mr. Foley

As my right hon. Friend informed the House on 24th June, a study is being undertaken of what would be involved in such an extension. That study is not yet complete.—[Vol. 785, c. 1220.]

Mr. Biffen

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that in answer to an earlier Question today the cutting of telephone links was referred to as a mean and malicious act? Would he therefore give the House an undertaking that the Government will desist from such spiteful and pathetic gestures as communications sanctions against Rhodesia?

Mr. Foley

As I said, the study is not complete.

Mr. Hooley

Does not my hon. Friend consider that it is high time we passed the stage of studying this matter and took some effective action on it?

Mr. Braine

Are the Government contemplating extending sanctions in this way or are they not? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that measures taken against an erring Government are one thing, but measures against completely innocent persons in this dispute, to hurt them and cut them off from communication with their families, are utterly abhorrent not merely to us on this side but to the people of the country as a whole?

Mr. Foley

I wish that the hon. Gentleman would save some of his crocodile tears and address himself to the 4 million Africans in Rhodesia who are condemned to an awful existence.

Mr. William Hamilton

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a Motion on the Paper, signed by many hon. Members on this side, urging the extension of precisely the kind of sanctions mentioned in this Question? Would he consider the views of this side of the House and, indeed, the view of the Opposition Front Bench, when they say that they will make a settlement with Rhodesia based on the five principles?

Mr. Foley

What I find rather difficult is the suggestion by the Opposition of seeking a settlement on the basis of the five principles, which I therefore assume are non-negotiable, but which Mr. Smith has refused to contemplate.