HL Deb 02 December 1965 vol 270 cc1376-8

3.16 p.m.

LORD HASTINGS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to fulfil the agreement to give £750,000 over three years to the University College of Rhodesia; and whether the second instalment of £250,000 will be paid this week or in the near future.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD WALSTON)

My Lords, I can best answer this Question by repeating, with permission, part of the Statement on this subject which my right honourable friend the Minister for Overseas Development made in another place on November 30. She then said (col. 1214): Since the University College is providing higher education for students of all races and operates under Royal Charter, Her Majesty's Government have decided to continue their assistance to the College as long as Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that conditions continue to exist under which the College is able to discharge this function. The arrangements for payment are under discussion with the College.

LORD HASTINGS

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, which is satisfactory in principle only, I should like to ask whether it is true, as reported in The Times last week, that the University Council are to meet on December 10 in order to decide whether it will be financially possible to keep the University College open? If this is the case, do the Government not consider that that is sufficient justification for paying over this £250,000 immediately, in order to prevent the closure of this admirable multiracial institution?

LORD WALSTON

My Lords, I sincerely hope that this admirable multiracial institution will not have to be closed. As I have said, Her Majesty's Government have already decided, and announced, that, so long as this University fulfils its functions of multiracial education, it will continue to receive the sums of money which have already been allocated to it and which we have undertaken to pay over the next two years.

LORD HASTINGS

My Lords, does that mean that this money is going to be paid now; or will it be held up pending further consideration? It seems to me that this decision must be taken, in order to give a degree of security and certainty for the future of the University.

LORD WALSTON

My Lords, the actual methods of paying this money are still under consideration, and are the subject of negotiation with the University authorities. But I can assure the noble Lord that, provided we are satisfied on the cardinal points which I have already mentioned, the University need have no doubts at all about its continuing to receive the amount of money which is due to it.

LORD HASTINGS

My Lords, may I ask a final question? How do the Government intend to satisfy themselves on this particular point? Are they relying on advice from the Principal of the University in order to come to this decision?

LORD WALSTON

My Lords, the Government will, of course, rely to a very large extent on advice from the Principal of the University, and from all other sources which are open to them. In other words, they will use common sense in arriving at a common sense decision.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, whilst welcoming the decision of the Government in this matter, I should like to ask whether, because of the great importance of this University in regard to multiracial relations, the Minister would also consider whether some safeguards can be provided for the members of the staff of that University, 47 of whom have indicated that they do not accept the Smith régime and have been subjected to inquiries by the Police State in Rhodesia.

LORD WALSTON

My Lords, in the present circumstances it is difficult to assure the complete protection of any individuals in. Southern Rhodesia. But in so far as the University itself is concerned, I will only repeat what I have already said: that, should it give any substantial indication of failing to fulfil its multiracial purposes, then, naturally, the whole question of grants will have to be reconsidered.