HL Deb 10 February 1976 vol 368 cc7-8
Lord BROCKWAY

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 will demand the release from detention of Mr. Garfield Todd, ex-Prime Minister of Rhodesia, on his return to Southern Rhodesia after his visit to London.

The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

My Lords, the Government will continue to press for the unconditional release (or trial) of all persons, including Mr. Todd, detained or restricted without trial in Rhodesia.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, while thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether it is not quite intolerable that an illegal Government in a British colony should for years hold an ex-Liberal Prime Minister in confinement to his ranch when he might have been contributing constructively towards a settlement of the constitutional position?

Lord GORONWY-REBORTS

Yes, my Lords, quite intolerable.

Lord BYERS

My Lords, is there really nothing more that we in this country can do to put this situation right? Many of us have written to the Press. I would like to support the noble Lord, Lord Brockway. We feel totally frustrated about the situation.

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, this has been discussed and debated so many times, here and in another place; it is constantly under discussion in the Foreign Office and indeed between the Government and Opposition and all Parties in the State. It is an exceptionally difficult situation. That does not detract from the intolerability of its nature. We must continue to do our best.

Lord SHINWELL

My Lords, without any desire to criticise the Rhodesian Government—because I do not think it does very much good—can my noble friend say what is the crime alleged against Mr. Garfield Todd which has caused his detention? There seems to be some mystery about it and it ought to be cleared up.

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, the illegal régime allege that Mr. Todd is a threat to public order in Rhodesia. Most people would think that the illegal régime is the greatest threat to the public order of Africa.