HC Deb 24 October 1968 vol 770 cc356-7W
Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in settling the debt of United States $14,300 which is owed to the United Nations Development Programme by Southern Rhodesia in respect of local living costs of experts who served there in 1964 and 1965; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitlock

The sum in question is owed by Southern Rhodesia in respect of local living costs of experts who served there in 1964 and 1965 under the Technical Assistance component (formerly the Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance—E.P.T.A.) of the United Nations Development Programme.

I am advised that the relevant agreement imposed a direct liability on Her Majesty's Government for the payment of these costs in default of payment by the Government of Southern Rhodesia and that this debt can therefore be distinguished from other Rhodesian debts for which Her Majesty's Government have no liability. Arrangements are accordingly being made for settlement of the debt from the Commonwealth Services Vote, and Parliament will be asked to approve the necessary Supplementary Estimate in due course. In the meantime an advance will be sought, if required, from the Civil Contingencies Fund.

Recovery of this payment will be sought from the legal Government of Rhodesia on its restoration.