§ LORD ALPORTMy 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 any approach has been made to Dr. Banda to enlist his good offices in the task of achieving a constructive solution for the major problems of Central Africa.]
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, as the noble Lord knows, informal talks between British and Rhodesian officials are now being held in Salisbury. Whilst recognising the noble Lord's interest, Her Majesty's Government believe the course they are now pursuing offers the best hope at present of achieving a constructive solution of the problems of Central 6 Africa. We are, of course, in close touch with Dr. Banda in connection with a number of matters of mutual interest.
§ LORD ALPORTMy Lords, will the Minister remember the unique position which Dr. Banda occupies in the politics of Central Africa, in view of the independent role which he has adopted since Malawi's independence, and his very great knowledge of the interests of the various regions of that part of Africa?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I do not think anyone who knows that part of the world, who knows Dr. Banda, and who knows him anything like so well as the noble Lord does, would disagree with what the noble Lord says. He has a part to play, but at the present time talks are pursuing on an informal basis and 1 think it would be better to see the outcome of those talks.
§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, would my noble friend agree that Her Majesty's Government's very generous loan of £7 million to Malawi was in part due to the strong attitude of Dr. Banda towards Central African problems?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I should not like to say that. I am sure that the deep feeling of Dr. Banda for this country does not depend upon that particular loan.