HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 cc215-6W
6. Mr. John Wells

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what effect sanctions have had on the price and availability of hospital equipment and supplies in Rhodesia.

Mr. George Thomas

I have no reliable information on this, but as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in the House on 31st January, 1966, exceptions to the United Kingdom's embargo on exports to Rhodesia are permitted in respect of items for essential humanitarian purposes.

15. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the increased flow of coal from Rhodesia into Zambia to relieve the shortage on the Copper Belt; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to this trade.

Mr. George Thomas

I am not in a position to give the House details of the flow of coal from Rhodesia into Zambia since this is largely a matter for the commercial companies concerned. It is, however, the declared policy of H.M.G. to assist Zambia in reducing her economic dependence on Rhodesia, and part of H.M.G.'s assistance to Zambia is related to the development of Zambian coal resources.

34. Mr. Paget

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how many passports have been issued to Rhodesian citizens by the British Consuls in Lusaka and Pretoria, respectively, since the unilateral declaration of independence; whether passports so issued are British passports; and whether persons holding such passports fall within the provisions of the Commonwealth Immigration quota.

Mr. George Thomas

Since the illegal declaration of independence the High Commission in Lusaka and the Consular post in Pretoria have issued 2,244 and 233 passports respectively to Rhodesian citizens who are not also citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

These passports are United Kingdom passports of the type normally issued by these posts although they are restricted to six months' validity in the first place.

Any person holding such a passport will be admitted to the United Kingdom if he qualifies for entry under the Commonwealth Immigrants' Act or under the special concessions granted to certain classes of Rhodesians since the illegal declaration of independence.