§ 3.44 p.m.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (LORDBESWICK)My Lords, in answer to the Private Notice Question on the Rhodesian talks asked by the noble Lord, Lord Carrington, I should now like to give the reply made in another place by my right honourable friend.
The exploratory talks with Rhodesian officials have not been adjourned. Mr. Oliver Wright, a member of the British team, has returned to London to report to the British Government, but the talks are continuing.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord. Can he give the House any indication of when we shall know that the exploratory talks 481 have finished and that the proper talking will begin?
§ LORD BESWICKNo, my Lords. It depends on how the present talks proceed.
LORD REAMy Lords, can the Minister say whether these talks are proceeding with both sides in Rhodesia, or only with one?
§ LORD BESWICKThere are two sides to these talks.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, would the Government consider the position which arises as a result of the talks going on for many weeks and when, as nothing is said, there is much speculation? One can read one day that they have broken down, and one can read another day that they are successful. None of that can do very much good. Would the Minister consider seeing whether, while keeping the talks confidential, there could from time to time be some sort of interim statement as to whether any progress is being made?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I quite understand the noble Lord's point, but until there is progress, no statement can he made. I am sure he would agree that in the interest of getting some sort of basis for the further talks, it would be much better not to say anything as to what the present exchanges are.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, the noble Lord seemed to think that my supplementary question was funny. It was not meant to be funny. These are exploratory talks, and after the exploratory talks I understand that there are going to be talks. What I was asking the noble Lord was whether he had any indication of when the exploratory talks would be finished.
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, the answer to that is, No; and I assure the noble Lord that I had no intention of being funny about a subject which I hope we both agree is not funny at all. But at this present time it is quite impossible to say how long the exploratory talks will continue.
§ LORD WADEMy Lords, may I pursue the question of my noble Leader a little further? May I ask the noble 482 Lord whether any talks have taken place, or will take place, with those in Rhodesia, both black and white, who do not support the present régime? If Britain is to make it clear that she will adhere to the six principles, is it not important that there should be consultations with, for example, the Leader of the Opposition and with other representative bodies of opinion in Rhodesia?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I think it has been made quite clear before, that there is absolutely no reason why there should not be a full exchange of opinion between the representatives of the British Government and the Governor in Salisbury, and anyone else in Salisbury. This has been made quite clear by my right honourable friend and by the Prime Minister. But these particular talks were of course for a specific purpose.
§ BARONESS HORSBRUGHMy Lords, the noble Lord said that when there had been any progress a statement would be made. Does he imply, therefore, that at present no progress has been made?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, what I was implying was that there may come a time when it will be appropriate to make a statement, but that time has not yet come.
§ LORD GRIMSTON OF WESTBURYMy Lords, could the noble Lord give some undertaking that there will be a more positive statement before the House rises for the Summer Recess?
§ LORD BESWICKI am afraid, my Lords, that I am not in a position to give that assurance.