§ 3.6 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy 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 what action has been taken to safeguard Zambia's joint ownership of the Kariba hydro-electric power plant, the Rhodesia railways and the Central Africa Airways Corporation, and the continued service of these assets to Zambia.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (LORD BESWICK)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government are naturally watching closely the position of the Central African joint organisations. These organisations do not at present appear to be threatened, and we hope that this state of affairs will continue.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. While I do not want to reveal discussions in this delicate situation, could he confirm that Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, the Special Representative to East and Central Africa, is now in consultation with the Government of Zambia on these proposals? And could I ask particularly what are the arrangements by which Lockhead Hercules Transport is to load petrol to Zambia and to export twenty tons of copper bar from Zambia? Also have Her Majesty's Government any plans for the protection of the inter-racial university at Salisbury, which is now threatened, and particularly of the Kariba power station, whose electricity supplies may be threatened?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I can confirm that there have been discussions between Mr. Malcolm MacDonald and the President of Zambia. So far as any arrangements regarding transport undertakings are concerned, I think it would be much better if the noble Lord were to put down a Question. I have nothing to add on the third point that he raised.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, is it not the case that the Question which I have on the Order Paper refers to these wider matters?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, the noble Lord is asking a particular question about a particular air operation. If the noble Lord wants detailed information, it would be better to put down a Question.
§ LORD BROCKWAYWhat about the Kariba power station, which is mentioned in my Question?