§ 12.32 p.m.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government, in view of the danger that the disturbances in Southern Rhodesia may have repercussions in territories for which The United Kingdom Government are responsible, whether they have any statement to make on this situation.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF PERTH)My Lords, I must begin by pointing out, that, as I am sure that 981 your Lordships are aware, responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Southern Rhodesia is a matter for the Southern Rhodesia Government. I am sure that they have the support of all responsible people in their task of restoring the peace and good order which have traditionally prevailed in Southern Rhodesia.
As regards the possibility of repercussions in territories for which the United Kingdom Government are responsible, Her Majesty's Government will, of course, continue to keep their responsibilities for those territories in mind. So far, none of those territories has been affected.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for his Answer, and for the very satisfactory assurance he gave in the last part of it.