HC Deb 23 October 1968 vol 770 cc1277-8
41. Mr. Wall

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the development of trade with South Africa.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Edmund Dell)

In the first eight months of this year, exports were £177 million and imports were £192 million. Exports were a little down compared with 1967 but total South African imports have been falling and the indications are that we have been maintaining our position in this market.

Mr. Wall

Is South Africa still our second or third best overseas customer? Does the Minister agree that if Her Majesty's Government implemented the spirit of the Simonstown Agreement and supplied arms for South Africa to enable her to fulfil her obligations the picture would be even better?

Mr. Dell

South Africa continues to be one of our most important markets. We have no evidence that business has been lost, except for one specific case, because of our policy regarding arms. As I said in my Answer, the present indications are that this year we are retaining our position in the market.

Mr. William Price

What negotiations have the Government had with South Africa over the export of black cricketers?

Sir G. Nabarro

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the reports published this morning on the London Chamber of Commerce mission's return to this country after close investigation of South African trade, which showed that for the first time for many years we now have an adverse balance with South Africa, and that this is largely due to the dissatisfaction of the South Africans and the refusal of the present Government here to allow defence equipment to be exported?

Mr. Dell

Special factors have increased imports from South Africa this year, such as the unusually large imports of maize, fruit and vegetables, ore and metal scrap. Our evidence is that we are maintaining our share of the South African market, and I think that the figures will show an increase in our exports to South Africa this year. Obviously, we in this country wish to develop the best possible export situation in South Africa consistent with our policy on the export of arms.