§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Overseas Development what estimate was given to him by the United Nations mission which visited Mozambique in the spring of the likely annual loss to that country arising from its closure of the border with Rhodesia; what proportion of this loss Her Majesty's Government expect to bear in so far as he is paying compensation to Mozambique for the cost of sanctions; and if he will make a statement on his policy in this matter.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe United Nations mission report estimated the direct costs to Mozambique of applying sanctions as between US$139 and US$165 million for the first 12 months, US$108 and US$134 million for the following 12 months, and US$106 and US$132 million thereafter annually. There is no question of any assistance being "compensation", as my right hon. Friend the Member for Huyton (Sir H. Wilson) made clear on 13th May 1975—[Vol. 892, c. 246–47]. As to my policy in this matter, I have nothing to add to my reply to a Question from the hon. Member for Melton (Mr. Latham) on 14th June—[Vol. 913, c. 2607].