§ 17. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to prevent the expansion of Unilever's activities in Rhodesia.
§ Mr. BowdenThe Government do not wish to see expansions of this kind in present circumstances by subsidiaries or associates of British companies in Rhodesia, but Lever Bros (Pvt.) is a Rhodesian company and, as such, is subject to control by the Smith régime. There is no question in this case of any transfer of British capital, which we should certainly not permit. The funds which they will be using consist of Rhodesian currency available locally.
§ 26. Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will given an up-to-date esti- 50W mate of the cost to Great Britain of the Government's policy of sanctions against Rhodesia.
§ Mr. BowdenThe direct cost to the Exchequer for the period from i.d.i. to 31st May is now estimated to be about £20 million.
With regard to the cost to the balance of payments, and loss of earnings from exports and invisibles, I have nothing to add to the Answers given to Questions on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21st February and 16th March, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 7th March.—[Vol. 741, c. 1433–8; Vol. 742, c. 1232–4; Vol 743, c. 151–2.]
§ 33. Mr. Rowlandasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will give details of the advice he gave to the organisers of John Charles All Stars soccer team before they accepted an engagement to play in Rhodesia en route to carrying out fixtures in Zambia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomasHer Majesty's Government were not consulted. In the event, the team decided to cancel the fixture in Rhodesia and the Zambian Government withdrew the ban on their entry to Zambia which had been imposed when their intention to play in Rhodesia became known.