HC Deb 09 February 1967 vol 740 cc362-3W
66. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about Rhodesia and Commonwealth discussions for implementing mandatory sanctions.

Mr. Bowden

As regards Rhodesia, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in reply to Questions on this subject on 2nd February.

As regards the implementation of mandatory sanctions, we remain in close touch with Commonwealth Governments on this as well as on other questions of mutual interest.—[Vol. 740, c. 762–7.]

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an assurance that it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that a return of the régime in Rhodesia to the 1961 Constitution will not indicate an acceptance of the legislation passed by the then Rhodesian Government between 1961 and 1962 in severe curtailment of individual liberty.

Mr. Bowden

Her Majesty's Government's views on the return to legal government in Rhodesia were contained in the Prime Minister's statement of 20th December. Naturally, we would expect that a settlement in Rhodesia would result in the legislation of the country being in accord with the goal of future progress expressed by Commonwealth Prime Ministers, namely "the establishment of just society based on equality of opportunity to which all sections of the community could contribute their full potential and from which all could enjoy the benefits due to them without discrimination or unjust impediment ".—[Vol. 738, c. 1176.]