§ 28. Mr. Wallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the five-week delay on drugs consigned to Harari 199 Central Hospital, Salisbury, Rhodesia, was due to a hold-up in the British Customs.
§ Mr. William RodgersNot at all.
§ Mr. Wall. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these drugs could have been sent to Rhodesia within 24 hours, and that the five weeks delay contributed to the death of three African children? Can he reassure the House that this had nothing to do with British policy on sanctions?
§ Mr. RodgersI can give the undertaking for which the hon. Gentleman asks irrespective of whether the facts are precisely as he describes them. The delay in the arrival of the drugs was in no way due to action by the Customs or any other Government Department.