HC Deb 18 December 1974 vol 883 cc1559-60
10. Mr. Luce

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes to visit the major countries of Southern Africa.

Mr. James Callaghan

Yes, Sir. I have announced plans which were made some time ago to visit a number of countries in Southern Africa.

Mr. Luce

Since there is growing and valuable contact between the black and white Africa leaders, will the Foreign Secretary consider exiling himself for an even longer period to look at the real problems of the Southern African States —South Africa itself, Rhodesia and elsewhere—in order to try to see whether he can facilitate in particular a settlement in Rhodesia? Will he, in the process, consider facilitating a Rhodesian settlement by offering a substantial aid programme, if possible with the help of Common Market countries, to the African community in Rhodesia to improve its standards at a rapid pace? Would not this meet with the approval of both the European and the Africans in Rhodesia?

Mr. Callaghan

If there is any prospect of achieving a settlement in Rhodesia, which I would very much welcome, as I think the whole House would, on the terms of the Six Principles, I would certainly hope that as part of such a settlement there could be a crash programme or a substantial programme of educational aid. There are a large number of African children who by their intelligence and ability qualify to go to secondary schools but do not go to such schools. This would be one of the ways in which we could be of considerable assistance.

Mr. Rippon

Will the Foreign Secretary make clear that he would not rule out a visit to South Africa if he felt that it would help to promote a settlement in Rhodesia?

Mr. Callaghan

Of course I will not rule it out. But this obsessive interest by Opposiiton Members about whether I go to South Africa is a little tedious against the background of reality. Of course I have taken note of what has been said, and I shall do what is necessary, but I planned my visit to talk to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers about a number of topics of which Rhodesia would be one—an important one but not the only one—and we shall consider, after I have had discussions with them, what other initiatives would be helpful in the situation.