Zambia

HC Deb 21 March 1979 vol 964 cc1482-3

10. Miss Joan Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about recent attacks upon Zambia by forces of the Smith regime; and if he will will make a statement.

Mr. Rowlands

The regime has carried out a series of attacks in Zambia and other neighbouring countries in recent weeks. My right hon. Friend has repeatedly made clear the Government's condemnation of such raids and of action by either side which widens the conflict and makes the achievement of a negotiated settlement more difficult.

Miss Lestor

Bearing in mind the almost complete silence of most of the mass media—and, indeed, of most Conservative Members—in relation to these attacks upon Zambia, in contrast with their condemnation of the shooting down of civilian planes, which I in no way endorse, will my hon. Friend say what calculation is being made, in relation to aid to Zambia, about the devastation, suffering and atrocities that the Zambian people are experiencing as a result of our failure to solve the Rhodesia problem and deal with the activities of the Smith regime?

Mr. Rowlands

Our aid to Zambia recognises the very heavy burdens placed on that country by the situation in Rhodesia. We have therefore responded positively to Zambia's appeal for help on a number of occasions, and, as my hon. Friend will know, very recently in a major way in assisting the Zambian economy.

Mr. Rathbone

Will the Minister accept that this is yet another instance of Government reflex action to the sad circumstances which have developed in that part of the world? Will he further accept that this House, the press and the people of Africa are worried about the arrogance of the Government, and particularly the arrogance of the Secretary of State in his dealings with this matter? When will the British Government show a positive initiative rather than always waiting to react to circumstances as they happen to arise?

Mr. Rowlands

There is no reflex action in giving strong support to Zambia, a member of the Commonwealth and a close friend, and to Zambia's distinguished leader, in the situation in which Zambia is placed. My right hon. Friend answered the rest of the hon. Gentleman's question when replying to earlier questions on Rhodesia.