§ 32. Mr. Wallasked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the future payment of interest to the United Kingdom holders of Rhodesian Government stock subsequent to the recent High Court judgment.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe High Court decided that a person claiming to be interested in Southern Rhodesia 6 per cent. stock 1976–79 and interest thereon may present a petition of right in England against the Crown under Section 20 of the Colonial Stock Act, 1877. No question as to liability in respect of payment of interest to persons claiming to be interested in Southern Rhodesia Government stocks was decided in those proceedings.
§ Mr. WallSince legal proceedings take a long time and as many elderly people have been adversely affected by the blocking of Rhodesian funds, will my right hon. and learned Friend consult his colleagues to see whether funds could be released at least to those over the age of 60 who are in need?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis is a matter of policy for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I will draw his attention to my hon. Friend's remarks.