asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will now ensure that exports of antibiotics and other drugs, the lack of which is still causing suffering to sick of all races in Rhodesia, is not held up by sanctions; and whether he will make a statement.

Licences are freely issued in response to applications for the export of manufactured drugs and medicines to Rhodesia. Normal Exchange Control requirements apply and these require prepayment in a convertible currency other than sterling. There is no reason that there should be any hold-up in the supply of these commodities to Rhodesia.

Since there is a hold-up, can the hon. Lady say where the hold-up lies and whose is the responsibility.

No, I cannot, because there are no difficulties from the point of view of this country.