§ Mr. Wallasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make the giving of aid to Zimbabwe and Zambia dependent on the unblocking of the accounts of British citizens who have returned permanently to the United Kingdom and who are living in considerable poverty.
§ Mr. Neil MartenNo. The Government are of course concerned that any funds belonging to British nationals which have been blocked in either Zimbabwe or Zambia should be released as soon as conditions allow and have been glad to learn that in the latter case the waiting period for personal remittances has been substantially reduced. But both countries enforce exchange control because of an acute shortage of foreign exchange. British aid funds are needed to help the economic development of Zimbabwe and Zambia and improve their foreign exchange position, so increasing their capacity to meet their obligations.