HC Deb 16 April 1970 vol 799 cc1567-8
Q1. Mr. Winnick

asked the Prime Minister what recent consultations he has had with other Heads of Governments regarding common policies towards southern Africa.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

We are in regular contact through the diplomatic channel with other Governments on this as on other international issues.

Mr. Winnick

In view of the further inhuman apartheid law, was not the visit of the right hon. Gentleman the Chairman of the Conservative Party, when he begged for arms orders from the South African Government should his party win the election, degrading and completely against this country's traditions? Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that when the ill-advised cricket tour from South Africa takes place in the summer many people will wish to demonstrate in a non-violent way?

The Prime Minister

On the visit of the Chairman of the Conservative Party, I am in no way responsible for him. He was, I gather, a guest of the South African Foundation, and inquiries should be addressed either to that organisation or to the right hon. Gentleman himself. On the second part of my hon. Friend's question—I agree with his choice of the phrase "ill-advised" about the acceptance of this tour. No doubt there will be demonstrations. The whole House will hope that those demonstrations will be peaceful and not designed in any way to interfere with the play.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

Would not such consultations merely reaffirm that any policy which rests on the twin pillars of hypocrisy and impotence merely demonstrates that it cannot support anything more significant than a fiasco?

The Prime Minister

I know the views of the hon. Member about all aspects in Southern Africa. I hope that he would feel able to support the proposition that this country stands for something in international affairs, particularly in racial questions, whether north or south of the Limpopo.

Mr. Faulds

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Leader of the Opposition has not denied my accusations in The Guardian—[Laughter.]—the laugh may be on them—both that a Conservative emissary has been in touch with the rebel Smith and that Conservative pressure was put on the Nixon Administration to keep open its consulate in Salisbury?

The Prime Minister

I am not, of course, responsible for the right hon. Gentleman in these matters. He has to live with his own conscience about his whole Rhodesian attitude, but he has been asked in this House about statements in the Press by a very distinguished British journalist about the claims which were being made by Mr. Smith's party in the recent election about some of these contacts. I have no doubt that the right hon. Gentleman will take an early opportunity to deny these reports.

Mr. Longden

Will the right hon. Gentleman make public his view that the fact that citizens of this country do not approve of the laws of another country gives them no licence to break the laws of their own?

The Prime Minister

Of course that is the view of all of us, and of course I confirm what the hon. Gentleman says. This was made very plain inside and outside the House by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I have said it myself in broadcasts, and I have said it here. Of course all of us can demonstrate our detestation of apartheid in peaceful ways in a peaceful country. There is no justification whatever for breaking the law or, indeed, for interfering with sport, however ill-judged the decision to invite the tour.