HC Deb 18 April 1956 vol 551 cc1002-3
37. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in view of the revival of the slave trade between Arabia and neighbouring countries in Africa and Asia as well as in Arabia, if Her Majesty's Government will instruct the British representative at the United Nations to press for an early inquiry into this trade with a view to its complete suppression; and whether ships of the Royal Navy will resume patrolling the water around Arabia to ensure that no British subjects are enslaved in craft proceeding to Arabia.

Mr. Nutting

A wide survey of the situation was made last year by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The United Kingdom representative played a leading part in the discussion which led to the preparation of a supplementary Convention on Slavery, designed to intensify efforts to suppress these practices. The draft will be considered by the Council at its present session.

The position as regards patrolling by the Royal Navy remains as stated by the First Lord of the Admiralty on 23rd November last.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any representations have been made, particularly to Saudi Arabia and to those other countries adjacent to Saudi Arabia, which are suspected of having facilitated the transport of slaves, including to and from the Yemen? Is he aware that there is evidence about the existence of the slave trade? If so, does he not agree that we ought to do all we can to try to get it suppressed at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Nutting

I fully agree with the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question and the suggestions which he has made. We are handling this matter through the United Nations, which I think is the proper forum in which to deal with it. Certainly, we shall do everything in our power, through that organisation, to ensure that the Convention is adhered to.

Mr. Brooman-White

Does not that indicate that the Saudi Arabian Government might possibly devote a little more attention and money to the development of enlightened policies within their own frontiers, instead of stirring up trouble elsewhere?

Mr. Nutting

I would not for a moment dispute my hon. Friend's contention.

Forward to