HC Deb 20 November 1967 vol 754 cc900-1
3 and 4. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Japanese Government regarding the 106 per cent. officially recorded increase in Japanese exports to Rhodesia during the first seven months of this year, and with what results; and

(2) what representations he has made to the French Government regarding the 18 per cent. officially recorded increase in French exports to Rhodesia during the first seven months of this year, and with what results.

Mr. George Brown

As my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State told the hon. Member on 13th June—[Vol. 748, c. 58]—and again on 4th July—[Vol. 749, c. 229]—this year, we are in touch with the Japanese and the French Governments on the question of the implementation of sanctions. The details of our discussions must of course remain confidential.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

In view of the fact that the end result of two years of sanctions has been the devaluation of the British £ against that of Rhodesia, would not the Foreign Office be better employed, rather than in trying to get Governments to observe an operation which they clearly regard with contempt, in seeking for other countries to impose sanctions on us?

Mr. Brown

In some ways, the hon. Gentleman gets it altogether wrong; for example. the figures which he quotes about French exports, which show a distinct decrease over those quoted for the earlier months—

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

What?

Mr. Brown

As for his desire to bring the other issue into question, he knows that this will arise later today.