HC Deb 06 August 1976 vol 916 cc1081-2W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British passports held by people resident in Rhodesia have been renewed at the British Consulate in South Africa in the past year; and whether he will consider withdrawing this facility.

Mr. Rowlands

The latest figures available show that from 1st July 1975 to 30th June 1976, 11,277 United Kingdom passports were issued. 699 United Kingdom passports were renewed in 1975.

We have always made it clear to British passport holders in Rhodesia that they are beyond consular protection, since we have no diplomatic representation in Salisbury. However, I do not consider that it would be appropriate or desirable to withdraw the passport facility as suggested.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take in connection with the mass movement of villagers into special fenced areas in Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement on his policy.

Mr. Rowlands

The creation and oppressive administration of "protected villages" continues to be a cause of grave concern to Her Majesty's Government. We have placed no obstacles in the way of private British aid to relieve the suffering of the communities involved. But the Government would not wish to use official aid to absolve the illegal regime of the consequences of its action. Nor, of course, can there be any guarantee that the regime would permit official aid for this purpose to enter the country.

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