§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Lord Privy Seal what limitations the Governor will place on election expenditure in Rhodesia; and what accounting procedure will be employed to identify the source of funds by parties contesting the election.
§ Mr. LuceIt is not likely to be practicable to control funds to individual parties. The Election Commissioner is considering a requirement for the political parties to disclose their election expenses.
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§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Lord Privy Seal what help will be given to assist the return and rehabilitation of civilian refugees from Southern Rhodesia in neighbouring territories.
§ Mr. LuceWe are in touch with the major international organisations with a view to initiating a programme for the return and rehabilitation of Rhodesian refugees as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what steps are being taken by the Governor of Southern Rhodesia to establish the names and whereabouts of persons detained without trial in that territory at the time he assumed authority;
- (2) if her Majesty's Government will make moneys available to Southern Rhodesia to assist the rehabilitation of persons and their families arrested and detained under martial law;
- (3) what steps are being taken by the Governor of Southern Rhodesia to give help to the families of political prisoners, some of whom have been in detention for more than a decade;
- (4) what is his estimate of the number of political prisoners held in Southern Rhodesia on the day the British Government assumed power;
- (5) if he will instruct the Governor of Southern Rhodesia to stop forthwith the execution of any persons in that territory, and prohibit any further executions so long as it remains under British rule.
§ Mr. LuceThe Governor is being consulted and I will circulate a reply in theOfficial Report when it becomes available.
§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Lord Privy Seal what representations have been made to the Government of the Republic of South Africa to ensure that South African defence personnel withdraw immediately from Rhodesia.
§ Mr. LuceThere is no question of external involvement in Rhodesia under the Governor. This position has been made clear to all the Governments concerned.
§ Mr. Butcherasked the Lord Privy Seal how the cost of the arrangements leading to independence in Rhodesia will be financed.
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§ Sir Ian GilmourParliamentary approval to this new service will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for the International Subscriptions, Special Payments, Etc. (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) Vote. Pending that approval the necessary expenditure will be met by repayable advances from the contingencies fund.