RHODESIA

HC Deb 25 January 1966 vol 723 cc1-2W

1. Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps are now being taken to give assistance to the families of persons held in detention or restriction by the Rhodesian régime of Mr. Smith.

Mr. Bottomley

I understand that certain charitable organisations are continuing to give such assistance.

11. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what study he has made of the letter dated 9th December written by the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire to the Attorney-General on behalf of one of his constituents and recently living in Salisbury; and if he will make a statement on her position.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

The matters raised in the hon. Member's letter of 9th December addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General have been considered, and a detailed reply was sent to him on 31st December.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what action is being taken to ensure that Lonrho, a London-registered company which has a major shareholding in Companhia do Pipeline Mozambique-Rodesia, complies with Her Majesty's Government's sanctions against the supply of oil to Rhodesia.

Mr. Bottomley

Lonrho are aware of the terms and significance of the Order in Council and have informed us that they are taking the steps open to them to give effect to the Order.

Mr. Rowland

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of economic sanctions against Rhodesia.

Mr. Bottomley

Our economic and financial measures have already cut off Rhodesian exports to the United Kingdom of goods which were valued at £30 million in 1964 and represented over 95 per cent. of Rhodesia's exports to the United Kingdom. Other countries co-operating with us on these measures have brought the total export ban to £53.5 million or 45 per cent. of Rhodesia's 1964 exports of £119 million. This is a continuing process and the percentage of Rhodesian exports under ban is increasing continually. Our embargo on crude oil imports through Beira has proved to be 100 per cent. effective.