§ Mr. David Youngasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will list in detail the future stages of constitutional development of Zimbabwe-Rhodesia leading to independence and of the appointment of United Kingdom diplomatic representatives, giving the proposed timetable and dates.
§ Mr. LuceThe principal constitutional steps between elections and independence are for the Governor to appoint a Prime Minister, and to arrange for the election of the Senate and of a president elect. No date has yet been fixed for independence. It is expected that Her Majesty's representative to the new Government will take up his duties immediately after independence.
§ Mr. Bidwellasked the Lord Privy Seal if special efforts will be made by the Governor of Zimbabwe to persuade the 430W white population to remain to help in the future in that country.
§ Mr. LuceThe Government's aim throughout the negotiations for a peaceful settlement in Rhodesia, and in particular in the drafting of the independence constitution, has been to ensure that all Rhodesians will see for themselves a continuing place in independent Zimbabwe. The Government believe that the white community in Rhodesia will continue to make a major contribution towards the prosperity of their country, and have been much encouraged by Mr. Mugabe's evident determination to seek reconciliation.