§ 19. Mr. Brockwayasked the Lord Privy Seal what resolution has been adopted by the Political Committee of the United Nations on the subject of apartheid in the Republic of South Africa; how many delegations voted in favour of the resolution; how many voted against; and how many abstained; and how the United Kingdom delegate voted.
§ Mr. P. ThomasOn 1st November the Political Committee of the United Nations adopted a resolution submitted by a num- 26 ber of African and Asian States by 60 votes against 16 with 21 abstentions. The same resolution was adopted in the Plenary General Assembly on 6th November by 67 votes against 16 with 23 abstentions. In both cases the United Kingdom voted against the resolution.
§ Mr. BrockwayEven if the United Kingdom takes that view, is it not prepared to accept that part of the recommendation which asks member States not to provide arms to the Government of South Africa? In view of recent events in South Africa, which have not been exceeded in Communist countries in their destruction of liberty, is not the Minister aware that British public opinion is shocked that arms will be licensed by this Government to South Africa?
§ Mr. ThomasThe question asked about the resolution. The resolution in the United Nations recommended a complete boycott of trade with South Africa, the closing of ports and airfields to South African shipping and aircraft and the severance of diplomatic relations.
§ Mr. BrockwayAnd it dealt with arms.
§ Mr. ThomasAll goods. A request for separate voting on a number of paragraphs in the resolution was narrowly defeated by 52 to 49, with five abstentions. The question of voting against a separate part of the resolution never came up. I can tell the hon. Member that, if it had, the Government would have voted against it.