§ 70 and 71. Sir J. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) whether, in view of the fact that approximately 90 per cent. or more of the African workers on Rhodesian tobacco farms have come from Zambia, Malawi, and elsewhere to get employment not available in their own countries, he will compensate those persons who are now to be forced out of employment through the ban on tobacco purchases;
(2) whether he is aware that for every worker employed on corn cultivation 10 must be employed on tobacco culture over the same acreage; and what plans he has to help the large numbers of African workers who will be thrown out of work by the ban on Rhodesian tobacco purchases.
166W
§ Mr. BottomleyAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in his warning statement of 29th April, the responsibility for the consequences of an illegal declaration of independence must lie squarely on those who took that step. We are seeking to help all sections of the community, not least the Africans, by a speedy return to constitutional Government. Our aim is quick and effective action to minimise the adverse effects on individuals and the country at large.