HC Deb 29 July 1976 vol 916 cc375-6W
Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the guidelines governing the visits by British passport holders to Rhodesia during the continued existence of the illegal régime; how many persons holding British passports have been refused the right to go to Rhodesia since 1965; how many people have been prosecuted for illegal entry since 1965; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rowlands

On the first part of my hon. Friend's Question, I would refer him to the answer I gave him on 23rd July.—[Vol. 915, c. 652–655.]

The answer to the second and third parts of my hon. Friend's Question is "None", in both cases.

8. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of British passport holders currently resident in Rhodesia.

Mr. Rowlands

It is estimated that approximately 80,000 residents of Rhodesia are citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. A further 75,000, although not United Kingdom citizens, are thought to be entitled to claim the right of abode in Britain by reason of patriality.

Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates he has made of the number of dependants of British passport holders currently resident in Rhodesia who would have an automatic right of entry into the United Kingdom.

Mr. Rowlands

I regret that the information is not available in the form requested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to appoint a British Agent in Rhodesia so that Her Majesty's Government may be in direct communication with the present regime in Rhodesia.

Mr. Rowlands

No.