HC Deb 28 January 1970 vol 794 c1543
29. Mr. Wall

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the recent development of British South African trade.

Mr. Mason

Last year our exports, including re-exports, to South Africa rose by about 10 per cent. to £291 million. Imports were £303 million.

Mr. Wall

I welcome the increase, but would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is some hypocrisy in the policy of increasing trade with South Africa and at the same time denying arms which are needed to implement our joint defence responsibilities for the Cape route?

Mr. Mason

That is not so. The policy is morally right. It is internationally accepted. As far as I can gather, it is having no deleterious effects upon our trade with South Africa.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

In view of recent newspaper articles, has the Board of Trade made any estimate of what percentage of British South African trade is British Rhodesian trade?

Mr. Mason

I am not responsible for what may be contained in Press articles.