asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Australia.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about his recent journey to Australia and New Zealand.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about his recent Commonwealth tour.

During my tour of the Far East and the Pacific, which lasted from 10th February to 8th March, I visited Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. The object of the tour was to meet members of the Governments and see something of the countries with which I am concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that all the reports which we have had in this country about his visit in- dicate that it was a very successful one, and we offer him our congratulations? Has he considered whether it would be possible, on his return from such visits, to make a more detailed report available than is possible by means of Question and Answer, either writing it into HANSARD or placing it in the Library?

I am quite prepared to consider placing in the Library a short report of my visit. I doubt whether time would be available for a report to the House and a debate upon it, but that is not a matter for me.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has signified agreement or disagreement since his return with a remark which he is reported to have made that it would be a matter of years rather than months before we joined the Common Market? Secondly, does the remark which he is reported to have made about the use of force in Rhodesia mean that the Government are considering that possibility if all other means fail?

On the second point, about the use of force in Rhodesia, that is one which has been made in the House on a number of occasions, and certainly it has been made by me once. There are two circumstances in which force might be used. The first is if the Governor requested it to maintain law and order. The second is, after a return to legality, if a second U.D.I. were declared. That was made quite clear in the House.

rose—

Order. Questions 30 and 31 are being taken with this, Mr. Fisher.

Mr. Speaker, I apologise if I was a few moments late and did not hear the right hon. Gentleman's original Answer. Can he say whether he took the opportunity to discuss with the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong our Common Market soundings? If he did, what was their reaction? In particular, did he reassure the New Zealand Government that special arrangements would be made for them?

I discussed our possible entry into E.E.C. both in New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand, I made the point, which they accepted, that there would have to be a special arrangement made to meet their point of view. In Australia, too, I assured them that there would be consultations after Her Majesty's Government decided to negotiate, if they so decided.

Did the right hon. Gentleman have any discussions with members of the Australian Government as to their outlook about Her Majesty's Government's contribution or lack of contribution in Vietnam?

Yes, Sir. I touched on defence problems generally, and I am sure that the Governments of Australia and New Zealand understand the point of view of Her Majesty's Government and the attitude which we have taken over Vietnam.

Was my right hon. Friend able to acquaint the Governments of Australia and New Zealand with the intention of Her Majesty's Government to make application to enter the Common Market? If so, what was the reaction of those two countries?

I have answered the first part. As for the second part, both New Zealand and Australia accepted the explanation which I gave that there would be full consultation if Her Majesty's Government decided to negotiate for our entry into E.E.C.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Tasmania.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Rye (Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine) on 14th March.—[Vol. 743, c. 39.]

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is asking for a little more information than was given in those Ques- tions? Can he now say whether there is to be any permanent evidence of an increase in our interest in the disaster areas in Tasmania in the form of perhaps a hospital or a school, or something of that nature?

I do not think that I can go as far as that. I visited the area of the fire devastation and had consultation with the Deputy Premier, since which time I have received a letter from the Premier of Tasmania in which he refers to the magnificent gesture of our contribution. In my discussion with the Deputy Premier, I offered to give any other assistance which they thought would be necessary. I understand, nevertheless, that the Commonwealth Government of Australia and the Tasmanian Government have agreed between them to replace all of the homes free of charge.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest estimate of the total cost of the consequences of Rhodesia's unilateral declaration of independence to the United Kingdom's economy, including the cost of sanctions, the effect on imports, exports and invisibles, and the military blockade measures off Beira, and extra aid to Zambia but excluding any hypothetical calculation of the effect of changing copper prices.

I have nothing to add to the Answer given to Questions on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21st February and 16th March, and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 7th March.

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm today whether those Answers to which he referred were intended to be authoritative for all interested parties and not just on a selective basis of consumption as hitherto? Secondly, can he also say whether, in them, account has been taken of increasing consumer resistance to British goods and services throughout Southern Africa as a whole as revealed in the latest Board of Trade figures, and what reason has he for this?

I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that it is extremely difficult to arrive at any firm figure as to the actual costs since the declaration of illegal independence. It depends upon which way one looks at this. One could arrive at a number of figures. It is extremely difficult to get an accurate one. I think the hon. Gentleman will agree that, whatever the figure may be, one cannot measure loyalty and actions against rebellion in monetary terms.

Would my right hon. Friend confirm that consumer resistance resulting from our Rhodesian policy is not confined to Southern Africa? It applies also to Australia. If he has any doubt about that, I can provide him with some correspondence. Secondly, can he tell us what, in fact, the increase in the price of copper has cost our balance of payments? Is it more or less than £250 million?

On the second part of my hon. and learned Friend's question, it is impossible to assess the actual difference in the cost, because we do not know what the price of copper would have been had there been no U.D.I. Regarding the first part of his question, I cannot confirm what he asked me.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs why Rhodesia continues to import large quantities of motor car fuel.

Because the refinery at Umtali has been out of operation since January, 1966, as a result of sanctions. Rhodesia has been compelled to develop expensive and complicated methods of procuring oil.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his hon. Friend the Member for Lanark (Mrs. Hart) is reported to have said, on 19th February, that the white population in Rhodesia are no longer able to use their cars. Since this is obviously not the case, are the Government satisfied with the accuracy of the information they are getting about conditions inside Rhodesia?

All I know is that there is a very strict petrol rationing scheme in operation in Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the effect of mandatory sanctions on the people of Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest information available to the Government on the success of mandatory sanctions against Rhodesia.

As my hon. Friend informed the House on 14th February, we expect mandatory sanctions to result in a significant reduction in Rhodesia's export capacity. Mr. Wrathall's statement in the Rhodesian Legislature on 9th February reveals that the régime now accepts that Rhodesia is faced with a long economic siege. Spokesmen of the régime have made many claims about the alleged ineffectiveness of sanctions but there is little doubt that they are now worried about the large quantities of tobacco unsold from last year, the virtual bankruptcy of the sugar industry and the closure of the motor assembly plants due to lack of components.

Is the object of sanctions to cause widespread unemployment in Rhodesia and so inspire African unrest? If so, is it not true that so far, in the long term, sanctions have had more effect on the British economy than on the Rhodesian economy?

The object of sanctions, as the hon. Gentleman knows full well, is to bring the Rhodesian régime to an end and make them return to legality. The application of selective mandatory sanctions has taken a little time, because certain countries have had to take legislative procedures which we did not have to take.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that most Members of the House regard the Rhodesian issue as one that is fundamental to the credibility of the Government's overall foreign policy, that we constantly look for any evidence that the Government share this conviction, and that we would support any action necessary to make the present economic sanctions policy effective?

Given a little time—and it is not very much more than eight weeks—I think my hon. Friend will be quite happy with the results of selective mandatory sanctions.

Is it not a fact that Rhodesia has satisfactorily balanced her payments, notably on invisible account, and is it not a worldwide recognition now that sanctions of all kinds against Rhodesia are a dismal failure?

I am aware of the budget issued by the Rhodesian régime last year, when many figures were conveniently omitted. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman is, too, a victim of their own propaganda?

Would my right hon. Friend tell the House when it is expected that the tobacco sales in Rhodesia will be due, and what prospects he sees, from the information available to him, that they will be able to dispose of the tobacco this year?

The tobacco is already off the stalk and probably on the auction floor, but what has to be borne in mind is that a very high percentage of last year's crop is still unsold.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government intend to take to assist Rhodesians of all races who desire an early return to legality to enable their country to restore their links with Great Britain and the Commonwealth.

As the Prime Minister made clear on 20th December we wish to secure a settlement of the Rhodesian problem which is just and fair and Her Majesty's Government remain willing to reach such a settlement through discussion and subsequent negotiation with a legal government in Rhodesia. We naturally hope that all Rhodesians will come to realise the sterility of the path upon which the illegal régime is now set and I can assure them that the British Government look forward to the day when the links which have been abused by the present leaders in Rhodesia can be fully restored.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the Government have leaned over backwards to try to accommodate this illegal régime, that this illegal régime has received constant support from many members of the party opposite, and that it seems to many of us on this side of the House that there has not been enough demonstration by my right hon. Friend and the Government to encourage people who wish to return to the standards of decency to do so? Could they not announce that anyone who wishes to accept the standards of democratic decency, and those standards that were outlined on the "Tiger", will be encouraged to form a Government in Rhodesia?

Order. Long supplementaries mean that someone else fails to get one.

The British Government have no argument at all with Rhodesians as such, but only with the illegal régime, and it is at any time open to any group of individuals to approach the Queen's Governor, who is still in Salisbury, to make approaches to the British Government to end the illegal position that obtains there, after which we can look at the position once more.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now make a statement on the extent of opposition in Rhodesia to the illegal régime.

This cannot be accurately assessed because of the measures of the illegal régime who have sought to suppress all effective opposition. But I believe it to be considerable.

Can my right hon. Friend say why so many self-styled democrats in this House seem to support a one-party régime in Rhodesia?

I am afraid that I cannot be responsible for the consciences of all hon. Members in this House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his office takes any steps to give advice in this respect to Rhodesian citizens who are on visits to this country?

As far as is possible my office makes itself available to any Rhodesian who wishes to come along and talk to us. In fact, these visits are extremely valuable.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the effect of mandatory sanctions on the policy of the illegal régime in Rhodesia; and whether he will make a statement.

The so-called Minister of Finance, speaking in the Salisbury Legislative Assembly on 9th February, 1967, admitted that our action in persuading the United Nations to impose mandatory sanctions had created a new situation. The holding operation was over and longer term measures had to be taken to secure the future. The régime had therefore reappraised its policies in recognition of the need to maintain the momentum of economic activity in the face of a reduction in export markets which might persist for some time.

As progressive opinion throughout the world supports Her Majesty's Government in this policy, will my right hon. Friend now call upon all sections of this House also to support the Government?

I should like to think that that is the position, but I am not sure that it is at the present moment.

The suppression of truth by the régime in Rhodesia proves the truth of what my right hon. Friend is saying about the effectiveness of sanctions. Can he say what compliance is being made by Portugal and Iran, and what we are doing about this?

The talks, negotiations, and representations with Portugal and Iran or South Africa are matters for the Foreign Office, and not for me.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many countries have failed to make their report to the Security Council about what measures they have taken under the mandatory sanctions order?

No, Sir, I am afraid that I cannot at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what information he has concerning the present effectiveness of oil sanctions against Rhodesia.

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 27th January.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any evidence of an increase in the supply of oil to South Africa and Mozambique over recent months, and whether he will be prepared, if necessary, to control the supply of oil by British companies to these two countries?

The question of oil supplies to Rhodesia is always to the forefront in our consideration of the problem. At the present time, as far as I am aware, they are getting sufficient to maintain their rather strict rationing, but nothing very much in addition, and this oil is costing them a considerable amount of money.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is evidence that the South African Government are constructing large storage facilities near the Rhodesian frontier? Can he assure the House that if there is a breach of the oil sanctions to any great extent we reserve the right to take such steps as we think best?

We always reserve the right to make representations if we see any breaches whatsoever in the sanctions.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the police state machinery now operating in Rhodesia.

The régime has resorted to the device of alleging an emergency in order to justify arbitrary powers which include those of detention and restriction of persons without trial or review, censorship and the dictatorial control of employment. The very existence of these powers, and still more the use made of them, operates to intimidate the population, to stifle criticism and dissent and to create an atmosphere of suspicion and insecurity.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman how many people are detained without trial in Aden? Is it not a fact that when the right hon. Gentleman the Commonwealth Secretary was in Australia he compared Mr. Smith's Government with that of Nazi Germany? However much the right hon. Gentleman may disagree with Mr. Smith, is this not a travesty of the truth, and a gross abuse of Australian hospitality?

If the House will be patient, I will just remind the hon. Gentleman of what my right hon. Friend said, and I will do it quickly. He said:

"Those of you who remember the days of the 'thirties will recall one familiar feature of Nazi Germany, the knock on the door at midnight by the security police followed by arrest and detention without trial."

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what is happening in the African townships is an end to the intimidation waged by one African political party against the other, which happened before the U.D.I.?

No, Sir.

Can my hon. Friend say whether there is a single country in Africa in which this does not happen?

Yes, Sir.

Which one?

There are many countries in Africa.

Does not the hon. Gentleman know that a state of emergency in Rhodesia preceded the U.D.I., and that that state of emergency was occasioned by the infiltration of arms and terrorists across the Zambesi? Is he not further aware that there are fewer people detained now than there were before the U.D.I.?

It is as well to get it on the record that His Excellency the Governor signed a state of emergency at the request of the Government the day before, and without being told that they were declaring U.D.I.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs when he now expects the United Nations mandatory sanctions to bring about a collapse of the Rhodesian economy.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs when he now expects United Nations mandatory sanctions to bring about a collapse of the Rhodesian economy.

I would not accept that our object is to bring about a collapse of the Rhodesian economy. Nor do I propose to make any guess as to when sanctions are likely to achieve our objective. But however long the haul may be we shall continue strictly to enforce sanctions in the firm belief that a stage will be reached when Rhodesians will realise that a return to constitutional rule is the only acceptable answer.

Is it not true that Rhodesia is getting all the oil she needs and that sanctions are hitting the United Kingdom very hard indeed in loss of trade and expenditure? When will this folly cease?

It may be wishful thinking on the hon. and learned Gentleman's part that Rhodesia is getting all the oil she needs. What I have said is that she is getting sufficient to maintain her already strict rationing. I can assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that sanctions are biting very deeply, but we have no desire to destroy the Rhodesian economy; what we have a desire to do is bring them back to the rule of law.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, up to 21st February, about 72 out of the 131 member States of the United Nations and associated agencies had failed to report any action on the implementation of mandatory sanctions? Since it is now abundantly clear that other countries will continue to trade with Rhodesia, what are his proposals now for bringing this rebellion to an end?

The last figure which I saw was that about 50 countries had not replied, but even that was more than a week ago and I should imagine that some others have replied since. The question of replies from these countries on their action to implement selective mandatory sanctions is a matter for the United Nations, but I have no reason to think that the majority will not apply them.

May I seriously put to my right hon. Friend the fact that, less than 50 years ago, a British Government were able to settle a much more serious revolution in Ireland? Has British statesmanship now ceased to exist?

I am rather staggered that my good friends the Irish should be referred to in the same terms and in the same sentence as the people in Rhodesia who are rebels.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the support Zambia is now giving to mandatory sanctions against Rhodesia.

The position of the Zambian Government is set out in their letter of 23rd February to the Secretary General of the United Nations which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Zambia, like Great Britain, is suffering much more from this policy of the British Government than Rhodesia is? Does he not think it time that he took a new initiative to bring about a settlement?

I accept that Zambia has been facing an extremely difficult situation as a result of the application of sanctions, but she is complying as far as possible, with our help, with the United Nations resolution.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the whole purpose of these Questions about Rhodesia from the benches opposite is to give support to the illegal régime and that it is now obvious that the Conservative Party in the House is all out—

Order. The Question relates to Zambia.

In view of the fact that so many hon. Gentlemen opposite know how to solve this problem, has my right hon. Friend any objection to their going out and bringing a peaceful solution?

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he has for solving the Rhodesian problem.

I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 20th December or to the replies to subsequent Questions on this subject given by my colleagues and myself.

Is it not fantastic that one Ministry, the Ministry of Overseas Development, should be trying to build up countries in need, while another Department is trying to bring down Rhodesia's economy?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman would use his good offices to persuade the régime to return to legality, many of his fears would be unfounded.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what negotiations he has had with Commonwealth Governments concerning the application of the new scale of fees to students from developing Commonwealth countries who do not receive Government scholarships or assistance.

Commonwealth authorities are being consulted about the application of the new scale of fees to all categories of overseas students, including private students from the developing Commonwealth countries.

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that information, may I ask whether he is aware that recently the High Commissioner of Jamaica is reported as saying that we have lost a wonderful opportunity of discriminating in favour of Commonwealth students? Can he, while these regulations are still in a state of flux, make representation to the Secretary of State for Education and Science to have a special concession made to Commonwealth students?

We have received no formal representation from any Commonwealth Government on this question. The House should remember that there are 1,400 students from the developing countries of the Commonwealth who are being financed entirely by the British Government, and who will have the increase of fees met by the British taxpayer.

Would the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the people most affected are not those to whom Common wealth Governments are giving assistance!

We ourselves are helping 1,400 students whose Commonwealth Governments are not helping them.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs which Commonwealth countries have made representations to him about the proposed withdrawal of United Kingdom forces from Aden.

None, Sir

That may be for the Commonwealth Secretary, but I understand that representations have been made to the Government. Will the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that when negotiations about Aden are taking place full weight is given to the views of the Commonwealth countries which are affected by our withdrawal from Aden?

The hon. Gentleman seems to be under a misunderstanding. I said that no Commonwealth country had made representations to us about the proposed withdrawal of United Kingdom Forces from Aden. I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that I ought to know the answer on this, and that is the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is the present situation in Gibraltar; and what reports he has received from the Governor regarding Spanish plans to erect buildings in the neutral zone.

As regards the first part of the Question I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Chan-non) by my hon. Friend on 14th February.

With regard to the last part of that Answer, can the hon. Gentleman, having announced these talks, say what the Government's reaction will be to what would appear to be a breach of international law? Secondly, with regard to the first general part of that Answer, has the hon. Gentleman nothing to add to the continuing state of complete weakness in the face of continuing Spanish harassment? Thirdly, as the Government show themselves to be so keen on ultimata in other talks, ought not they to introduce some kind of time limit to the talks with Spain?

The question of talks with Spain is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the talks he had with the Government of Singapore on the future of British bases there.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with the Government of Singapore about the local economic and political consequences of the forthcoming reduction of British troops in the base.

The purpose of my visit to the Far East was to meet Commonwealth Ministers and see something of their countries. I did, however, take the opportunity of mentioning to the Prime Minister of Singapore our intention to make some reduction of the base facilities in Singapore by the end of next year, as disclosed in this House on 27th February by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. I told him that details had yet to be worked out and assured him that there would of course be full prior consultation between the two Governments.

Bearing in mind that it is less than two years before we make major reductions in the bases, and also bearing in mind the situation in Malta, does not my right hon. Friend agree that there should be an urgent examination of the problem of unemployment caused by closing down bases? Can he say whether the Ministry of Overseas Development will be involved here, as in Malta?

It must be borne in mind that the initial run-down of forces east of Suez is the result of the end of confrontation. That involves about 13,000 men, as was announced by the Secretary of State for Defence. This is clearly understood by the Prime Minister of Singapore. In his speech in the House while I was away my right hon. Friend mentioned a further figure of between 5,000 and 10,000 men. It is in respect of that figure that I promised full consultation with the Prime Minister of Singapore.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I led a delegation of all parties in this House to Singapore five years ago, when the Governor brought home to us very clearly how much importance was to be attached to the question of the employment of the local civilians in the island of Singapore? Will the right hon. Gentleman see that if this run-down takes place these jobs will not be jeopardised?

I am aware of the situation in Singapore. I know that at the moment the unemployment rate is 12 per cent. This situation is very much in our minds.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with the Governor in order to improve the conditions and hours of work of women and children in Hong Kong.

During my recent visit to Hong Kong, I discussed with the Governor the subject of hours of work of women and young persons. He has amending legislation under consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that women and children in Hong Kong are liable to work a maximum legal week of 60 hours, plus overtime? Can my right hon. Friend assure us that the amending legislation proposed by the Governor will terminate this state of affairs?

I am aware that under the existing regulation what my hon. Friend has said is quite right. It is possible for young people above the age of 16, and also women, to work a 60-hour week. In fact, however, a considerable number—I cannot give the actual percentage—work an eight-hour shift, because many factories—and I have visited one or two—work three shifts in 24 hours. The Governor is looking into the question of an alteration of the regulation, and the question is under urgent discussion.

Can the Minister tell us when the amending legislation will be made into permanent legislation?

At the moment this is a matter for consultation between the Governor, the Legislative Council and industry in Hong Kong.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs why Hong Kong is not to have an elected legislative council.

Because of Hong Kong's special circumstances it is not possible to think of normal self-government in the Colony, or to consider an elected legislative council.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that if is right that the black man in Rhodesia should have a share in running the affairs of his country it is also right that the yellow man in Hong Kong should have similar rights in running his country? Is my right hon. Friend telling us that human rights are conditioned by the geographical situation?

That is a great oversimplification of the problem, as my hon. Friend is aware. The situation in Hong Kong is unlike that anywhere else in the world. Nevertheless, the Government of Hong Kong are considering an extension of the system by which people can be elected to deal with local authority matters and participate in what are regarded as neighbourhood activities It is difficult to go beyond that.

Does not the Commonwealth Secretary agree that there is no demand by the overwhelming majority of the population of Hong Kong for a legislative council?

It is the overwhelming desire of the people of Hong Kong—98 per cent. of whom are Chinese—to live in peace.

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of my right hon. Friend's answer, I beg to give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken to protect the rights of British firms in Tanzania; and whether he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 16th February. We have remained in close consultation with the British undertakings concerned, who are currently assessing their bids for compensation or negotiating their claims in Dar-es-Salaam with the Tanzanian authorities.

The British people, under present management, must sympathise with the desire of Tanzania to control its own national economy, but can the hon. Gentleman say whether steps are being taken to acquaint the Tanzanian Government of the disastrous effect that this is likely to have upon the prospects for aid and investment in this and other African States? Can he further say whether the Tanzanians have the resources to give fair and effective compensation?

We have been assured by the Tanzanian Government that they will pay full and fair compensation. We accept their word. On the question of the effect of this measure, there is no call on Her Majesty's Government to tell any other Government how to fulfil their economic policies.

First, is the hon. Gentleman convinced that the assurance that he has received can be carried out? Secondly, in view of the present diplomatic difficulties, how does he make these recommendations to the Tanzanian Government?

On the second part of that supplementary question, we speak to the Tanzanian Government through our Canadian friends. As to the first part, we must take the word of the Government there that they will pay full and fair compensation. It is time enough to shout when that compensation is not forthcoming.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to him by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand during his recent visits in favour of Great Britain retaining an effective military presence in Singapore and Malaysia.

Our discussions naturally included a general exchange of views on defence problems in the area. The Australian and New Zealand Governments expressed to me appreciation for the continuing British military presence in South East Asia.

Will the Commonwealth Secretary, against a good deal of pressure by some of his hon. Friends, ensure that Britain retains an effective military presence in Malaya and Singapore while our forces are welcomed there, until our allies in the area are better able to provide for their own defence? Will he do his best to avoid making the sort of misjudgment that we have made in respect of other bases, such as Malta and Aden, in respect of the reduction of our forces?

That is a long supplementary question. It has cut out one Question.

The Government's policy on defence east of Suez is contained in the 1966 Defence Review and the 1967 Defence Review. This was understood clearly when I was in New Zealand and Australia. They are concerned about our presence, but not about the number troops in the area.

Did my right hon. Friend have an opportunity to discuss the possibility of internationalising defence agreements in the area in good time, under the auspices of the United Nations?

No, Sir. That question was not raised when I was there.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the reception by Nevis and Anguilla of the constitutional arrangements with regard to local councils in those islands.

I understand that the necessary arrangements are proceeding and I am not aware that any difficulties have arisen since the inauguration of Statehood.

Would the hon. Gentleman not agree that considerable opposition to these proposals still exists? What can the British Government still do to allay the very real fears which are entertained?

My understanding is that a great deal of the feeling has died down. I believe that we must now give a fair chance to the Statehood which is being inaugurated.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will hold discussions with other Commonwealth Governments with a view to the posting of forces in the South Arabian Federation to assist federal forces with defence and the maintenance of law and order after the withdrawal of British forces.

No, Sir. As the provision of a peace-keeping force in the South Arabian Federation is a measure which the forthcoming United Nations Mission might wish to recommend it would be premature to take such steps as the hon. Gentleman has suggested.

Does the hon. Gentleman not consider that some Commonwealth Governments might like to avert a disaster in South Arabia by taking up the responsibilities which this country is to drop like hot potatoes?

That is in the realm of speculation.