HC Deb 14 February 1967 vol 741 cc47-8W
11. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what further plans he has for overthrowing Mr. Smith's Government.

Mr. George Thomas

Our policies for bringing the illegal régime in Rhodesia to an end were stated by the Prime Minister on 20th December and 2nd February.

Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what has been the cost to the Rhodesian economy of economic sanctions by the British Government.

Mr. George Thomas

It is not possible to isolate the cost to the Rhodesian economy of sanctions by the British Government alone. The effects of sanc- tions can only be assessed in their totality and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the Questions today by the hon. Members for Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham) and Manchester, Blackley (Mr. Rose).

Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost of sending copies of his speech in the House of Commons on 7th December to individual persons in Rhodesia; how many copies were sent out; and how many he has received back.

Mrs. Hart

No copies of my right hon. Friend's speech were sent to Rhodesia. But, in accordance with his undertaking on 8th November, 1966, to acquaint the people of Rhodesia with the views of the British Government, a short pamphlet was prepared containing extracts from his speech. Copies of this were despatched to addresses in Rhodesia.

It might prejudice future activities to divulge the number sent or the expenditure involved. Less than one per cent. of the pamphlets despatched have been returned.