§ 11. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Overseas Development what has been the loss of interest and capital on the £1 million loan given by the Commonwealth Development Corporation to Rhodesia for African urban housing; and if this loss of resources to the Corporation is being compensated by her Department.
§ Mr. WhitakerUp to the end of 1969 the arrears totalled £237,500 and £200,000 respectively. No compensation is being paid.
§ Mr. PavittWill my hon. Friend say whether there are any more considerable sums outstanding, even if no more compensation is being paid? Is this taken into account in the assessment of the figures? Is it not surprising that hon. Gentlemen opposite who continue to support the illegal regime never say anything about what it owes us?
§ Mr. WhitakerI am entirely at one with my hon. Friend in admiration for the work that the C.D.C. is doing. In reply to the first part of his question, it has three investments in Rhodesia, but, as my hon. Friend will recognise, the responsibility for the default lies with the present temporary regime in Salisbury.
§ Mr. BraineIs not this a most unsatisfactory situation? Since the C.D.C. is unable to reap any advantage from its investment of public money in Rhodesia because of the Government's policy, have any representations been made to the Treasury to the effect that this excellent instrument for overseas development should be recouped in some way?
§ Mr. WhitakerThe hon. Gentleman will recognise that the C.D.C. is but one of a great number of private people and companies who are victims of the present unfortunate circumstances in Salisbury.