HL Deb 05 July 1979 vol 401 cc505-6

3.13 p.m.

Lord HATCH of LUSBY

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 state their latest position in relationship with Zimbabwe-Rhodesia following the visits of Lord Harlech.

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (Lord Carrington)

My Lords, it is the Government's objective to bring Rhodesia back to legality in conditions of the widest possible international recognition, and to help bring an end to the fighting. The Government will be considering the best way of making progress in the light of the valuable discussions my noble friend Lord Harlech has been having with African, including Rhodesian, leaders.

Lord HATCH of LUSBY

My Lords, will the noble Lord accept that I do not intend to press him on this point today in view of the very delicate nature of the negotiations, in view of his long journey—from which we are pleased to see him return in good health—and in view of the debate which is to take place next week? But may I ask him one pertinent question which may very well have some effect before our debate next week: Would he agree that the comments in Australia of his right honourable friend the Prime Minister (made, I was glad to see, in his absence) will make his task and that of the British Government much more difficult at the Commonwealth Conference which is to take place next month?

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the first observations of the noble Lord, Lord Hatch of Lusby. With regard to the question at the end of his friendly remarks, the answer is, no.

Lord HATCH of LUSBY

My Lords, I must press the noble Lord on this. Surely, to say in advance that Parliament is not going to pass the sanctions order, or is unlikely to pass the sanctions order, or will have difficulty in passing the sanctions order, in November is untrue, as the Government know they can get the sanctions order through if they deem it necessary to do so, arid is bound to exacerbate the suspicions of the rest of the Commonwealth as to the policy of Her Majesty's Government so far as Zimbabwe-Rhodesia is concerned?

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister was speculating, in exactly the same way as the noble Lord is speculating. Perhaps they could get together.