§ Q1. Mr. Strangasked the Prime Minister when he proposes to meet Mr. Ian Smith.
§ Q3. Mr. Wallasked the Prime Minister what recent communications he has had from Mr. Ian Smith; and what proposals he has for settling the dispute with Rhodesia.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)I have received no communications from Mr. Smith and have no plans for a meeting with him. But we intend shortly to approach Mr. Smith to ascertain whether a basis for real negotiation within the Five Principles can be found.
§ Mr. StrangWill the Prime Minister give the House a categoric assurance that in the negotiations which his Government have been conducting with the South African Government since June of this year no discussion whatever at any level has taken place about the future of Mr. Smith's illegal régime?
§ The Prime MinisterYes; we have not discussed with the South African Government future negotiations with Mr. Smith.
§ Mr. WallWould my right hon. Friend accept that any possible meeting would have to be very carefully prepared? Would he also accept the principle of parity between the races as a possibility of negotiation?
§ The Prime MinisterI have stated on many previous occasions the basis of the negotiations. The reason for making this approach to Mr. Smith is so that any possible future negotiations should be thoroughly prepared.