§ 30. Mr. Biffenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals he has to increase the commercial staff of the British Embassy in the Republic of South Africa.
§ Mr. MulleyThe commercial staff of the Embassy at Pretoria was reinforced last year. At the same time, the Consulate-General at Johannesburg was made the central point for handling trade promotion in South Africa and the staff was also increased. Additional staff will be provided as the need arises.
§ Mr. BiffenCould not the right hon. Gentleman confirm that South Africa has been, and remains, a valuable, a welcome and an expanding trade partner? In view of the increased competition to which we are now subjected from the French and others, would it not be a suitable recognition of that fact if the Government were to proceed as a matter of urgency with the strengthening of British commercial representation in the Republic?
§ Mr. MulleyThe hon. Gentleman made a very eloquent speech. The only reason why I cannot immediately agree that the representation should be strengthened is that we anticipated the hon. Member's views and strengthened it only very recently.
§ Mr. McNamaraCould my right hon. Friend indicate what proportion of total British trade in Africa goes to South Africa, and what proportion to the other independent African States? Would it not be politically better to increase trade with the other African States?
§ Mr. MulleyI am afraid that I cannot give figures like that off the cuff. In any event, they are probably more the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.