HC Deb 16 May 1966 vol 728 cc917-8
51. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what agreements have been made with the West German and Japanese Governments on the banning of the import of Rhodesian asbestos, chrome, and iron ore; and with which other countries negotiations are being pursued with similar ends in view.

Mrs. White

On German trade with Rhodesia, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply on 10th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, North East (Mrs. Renée Short). The Japanese authorities have co-operated by reducing very substantially their imports from Rhodesia. We are in touch with them about the possibility of their stopping their remaining imports. We are also in contact with those few countries which continue to take some substantial imports from Rhodesia.

Mr. Hamilton

Will my hon. Friend give an indication of when these negotiations will be concluded, and can she say whether or not she thinks they will be successful.

Mrs. White

We are having discussions with the Japanese continuously on the few commodities about which we have had difficulty. Progress has been made—with tobacco, sugar, iron ore and chrome—but there are others, such as asbestos, which are proving more difficult.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Is it not difficult for foreign countries to carry out the Government's policy when, in fact, it has been widely reported that Britain imported about 8,000 tons of chrome from Rhodesia after the sanctions had been introduced?

Mrs. White

I would need notice of that question.

Mr. O'Malley

In view of the very large contracts that some Japanese firms have with Rhodesia for iron ore, can my hon. Friend say what has been happening to the iron ore trade between Rhodesia and Japan in recent months?

Mrs. White

I understand that all but one company in Japan have agreed to come into line with the policy of stopping imports. However, if my hon. Friend requires a more detailed reply, he should table a Question to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Mr. Paget

Is my hon. Friend aware that while Her Majesty's Government are busy negotiating with Japan to reduce Rhodesian trade, the Japanese are at present in Salisbury most energetically negotiating the increase of trade with Rhodesia, at our expense?

Mrs. White

My hon. and learned Friend made that same point when my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was replying to him last week.

Hon. Members

Is it true?

Mrs. White

I trust that none of these people are being encouraged by my hon. and learned Friend.