§ Mr. Grocottasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the white population of Southern Rhodesia is of (a) English descent and (b) Afrikaans descent.
§ Mr. EnnalsI regret that this information is not available in the form requested by my hon. Friend. There is a total "European" population of about 278,000 in Rhodesia. As I said in a Written Answer to a Question by the hon. and learned Member for Dover and Deal (Mr. Rees) on 15th March, it is estimated that approximately 80,000 residents in Rhodesia are citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies and, as such, entitled to enter Britain and settle here permanently. There may be almost as many again who, although not United Kingdom citizens, could claim the right of abode by reason of patriality.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the light of evidence submitted to him by the hon. Member for Cannock, he will take steps to prevent persons recruited for service in Southern Africa from leaving the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. EnnalsAs I told my hon. Friend the Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan) on 10th March, persons who recruit mercenaries for Rhodesia in this country render themselves liable to prosecution. Under the Rhodesia sanctions legislation it is an offence to solicit or encourage members of the public to take up employment in Rhodesia. Investigations are in progress on a number of cases and the addresses cited by my hon. Friend have been passed to the appropriate authorities. A Committee of Privy Councillors under Lord Diplock is looking into the general question of mercenaries and will make recommendations. Their report is awaited.