HC Deb 04 August 1975 vol 897 cc68-9W
Mr. Tugendhat

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether Rhodesia House could be used for purposes other than those for which it was employed before the withdrawal of Rhodesian representation from Great Britain; and if so what purposes would be permissible;

(2) what plans he has for Rhodesia House; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

It has been the view of successive British Governments that the assets of the legal Government of Southern Rhodesia should be preserved for the people of Rhodesia as a whole pending a return to legality there. No solution has yet been found to the complex legal and other problems which would be involved in making alternative use of the premises of Rhodesia House meanwhile.

Mr. Tugendhat

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes to refurbish Rhodesia House; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

Essential maintenance necessary to keep the premises in good order is carried out from time to time under arrangements made when Rhodesia House was closed in July 1969. There are no present plans for any more substantial refurbishment.