HC Deb 11 July 1961 vol 644 c186
12. Mr. Brockway

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much British capital is invested in Angola; and through which companies the investments are operated.

Mr. Maudling

No estimate of the value of British capital invested in Angola is available.

Mr. Brockway

Will the Minister confirm that there is very considerable British capital investment in Angola, that in particular that capital controls the railway system and has a very large share in the diamond industry, and that in both those the system of forced labour is employed? In those circumstances, will he use every power he has to demand that where British capital is invested these conditions of slavery shall not exist? Secondly, will he use his influence among those who control British capital there, including our old friend Captain Waterhouse, in order to influence the Government of Portugal to end the policies which they are pursuing?

Mr. Maudling

I was asked for some factual information which I regret is not available. The wider questions which the hon. Member asks would better appear on the Order Paper.

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