§ 14. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for Industry when was his last official contact with the Minister responsible for posts and telecommunications in the Rhodesian Government.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Industry (Mr. Gregor Mackenzie)I have had no such contact.
§ Mr. StonehouseIn the absence of such contact, what justification can there be for the continued distribution of official franked mail from the illegal regime in Rhodesia? This practice, which was brought to an end in 1965, was reintroduced in 1970 by the Conservative Administration, and it still continues. Is the Minister aware that two or three sackfuls of mail arrive in the House of Commons from the illegal regime in Salisbury three times a week? What is he doing about the cost to the British Post Office of distributing this propaganda from the Smith regime?
§ Mr. MackenzieI know that hon. Members find such circulars exceedingly offensive, as I do, but the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that Government policy on sanctions against the illegal regime in Rhodesia, which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, is constantly under review.