HC Deb 04 May 1970 vol 801 cc29-30
36. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost to public funds of the book presented by the British Consul General in Capetown and prepared by the Commonwealth Office to the Mayor of Capetown at the beginning of April, 1970.

Mr. Foley

The cost of printing and binding the book in question was £7 4s. 9d.

Mr. Hooley

Why should we go out of our way to make this gesture to the South African Government, whose policies have been repeatedly condemned by members of the present Cabinet?

Mr. Foley

Our contribution in this respect in no way implies approval of the apartheid policies of the South African Government. The book in question describes the events leading up to the arrival of the settlers in 1820 and lists their names. This is the 150th anniversary celebration of the arrival of the British settlers in South Africa, and, at least in the early days, they made a considerable contribution to that country.

Mr. Goodhew

Would the Foreign Secretary care to notify his hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) of the trade figures between South Africa and the United Kingdom, which are a quite important factor?

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