§ Q2. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Prime Minister whether he will delay his signature of the treaty of accession to the European Economic Community until satisfactory arrangements have been worked out for trade between the European Economic Community and an independent Rhodesia.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. There is no connection between our accession to the European Economic Community and an eventual Rhodesian settlement.
§ Mr. KaufmanIs it not absurd for the Government to lament the damage done to Rhodesian exports by sanctions and then to seek to replace those sanctions by a common external tariff? Would it not be more consistent for the Government either to abandon their attempt to drag an unwilling Britain into the Common Market, or to call off their shameful deal with the Rhodesia Front—or, preferably, both?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, there is no connection between them. As for a Rhodesian settlement, the hon. Gentleman is fully aware that the next stage is to await the carrying out of the fifth principle, which is to be put to all the Rhodesian people.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingWould it not be a good thing if, for the first time in seven years, the Prime Minister were to concentrate on the simple objective of advancing the economic prosperity of the Rhodesian people?
§ The Prime MinisterThe House has debated this matter and can form its own judgment. The extent to which the lot of Africans and others in Rhodesia can be improved is an important aspect, but we must now await implementation of the fifth principle.