HC Deb 15 July 1965 vol 716 cc747-8
1. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Expert Committee established by the United Nations Security Council to report on the feasibility, effectiveness and implications of sanctions against the Republic of South Africa was requested to take into account the likely effect of such sanctions on Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this respect.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mrs. Eirene White)

The United Kingdom representative drew the Expert Committee's attention to these effects on a number of occasions. He pointed out that the conclusions of the Committee considerably underestimated the very serious implications for these Territories if economic measures were decided upon, and said that if such measures were decided upon collective steps would have to be taken in mitigation.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Will Her Majesty's Government support Seretse Khama and Chief Leabua Jonathan and all in those Territories who are working for the best possible neighbourly relations with South Africa, the importance of which was demonstrated by the gift of grain to Basutoland at the time of extreme drought in both countries, and can we now take it that because of Her Majesty's Government's responsibilities towards these Territories the idea of taking part in any sanctions against South Africa is utterly ruled out?

Mrs. White

As far as the attitude of local heads of Governments in the Territories are concerned, of course, we naturally sympathise with them and wish to co-operate with them. As far as any other action is concerned, I would remind the hon. Gentleman that this Report is to be discussed by the Security Council, and I think that it would be inadvisable for me to say anything further until that occasion arises.

Mr. Amery

May I ask that the hon. Lady will at least assure us that we will not take any steps in the matter without the full agreement of the heads of the Protectorate Governments concerned?

Mrs. White

We would, of course, consult with them, but they are still dependent Territories and it is for Her Majesty's Government to take decisions of policy.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the hon. Lady aware that the amount of help which we are giving to Bechuanaland and these other Territories is pitifully small in relation to their needs, and that, bearing in mind the fact that these Territories had to put up with five years of drought, an enormous expansion of support for their economies is needed?

Mrs. White

I have very much sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman says, but I do not think that it arises out of this Question.

Forward to