HC Deb 23 April 1970 vol 800 cc611-3
15. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what contingency planning exists to assist African development and general development in Rhodesia when normal relations have been restored.

Mrs. Hart

If normal relations could be restored on the basis of a return to legality in accordance with our principles, we would be ready to resume aid to Rhodesia according to the circumstances then prevailing.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Would the Minister reconsider that answer in the light of what she has just said to her hon. and learned Friend the Member for Northampton (Mr. Paget)? Is she not giving aid to many regimes of very doubtful legality? While the Government constantly assert their trusteeship for the Africans, are they not retarding their development by their policy of sanctions? Pending an outbreak of common sense, will they see what can be done to help the multi-racial University College in Salisbury and to go on helping it?

Mrs. Hart

On the last part of the supplementary question, the hon. Gentleman will be aware that the primary responsibility for what happens in the U.C.R. in Salisbury lies with the Universities of Birmingham and London and that we as a Government have a tenuous connection with that university. The first part of the supplementary question should be directed to the hon. Member for Essex, South-East (Mr. Braine), who raised the question of Lesotho, since it concerns recognition of a legal or illegal Government. This arises in the case of Lesotho and also in connection with Rhodesia. I am not sure whether he is suggesting that the principles the Conservative Party would apply would permit both recognition and resumption of aid now.

Mr. Crawshaw

Would the Minister agree that one of the best forms of assistance to Rhodesia would be to give educational grants to those African students who have had their grants cut off by the Rhodesian Government and therefore their residential qualifications do not entitle them to get a grant from the Department of Education and Science? May I mention the case of Mr. Chideme from Liverpool who has been seeking to get into Liverpool University since last October?

Mrs. Hart

I am looking into that case. I am giving a great deal of help from the Ministry to students from Rhodesia in terms of their university education here. and I should like to seek to extend this as far as possible compatible with all the requirements which have to be satisfied.

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