§ Q15. Mr. Juddasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his recent talks with President Kaunda in London.
§ The Prime MinisterI was extremely glad to have the opportunity of discussing personally with President Kaunda the many matters of common concern to Britain and Zambia. My colleagues and I found the exchange with the President and his Ministers of great value and I am happy to see that President Kaunda himself described the outcome of the talks as satisfactory.
101WThe talks themselves were, of course, confidential but I was able to assure President Kaunda that, although our present economic difficulties prevent us from providing Zambia with additional contingency support now, we would be ready when our circumstances had sufficiently improved to review the position with the Zambian Government.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has, in addition, offered to arrange for a joint study of Zambia's defence requirements if the Zambian Government so wish and I made it clear to President Kaunda that we hope he will be able to obtain in Britain all the defence equipment that Zambia requires.