HC Deb 18 January 1971 vol 809 cc487-8
1. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on Anglo-South African trade.

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and President of the Board of Trade (Mr. John Davies)

The provisional figure for our exports for the year 1970 is £333 million. This represents an increase of 14 per cent. over 1969. The provisional figure for imports is £259 million.

Mr. Wall

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the success of the Under-Secretary of State's visit to South Africa. Will my right hon. Friend say what steps are being taken to improve this already good figure? Does he agree that British investment in such major projects in Southern Africa as the Cabora Bassa dam will be of benefit to millions of Africans?

Mr. Davies

I thank my hon. Friend for his words of commendation on the Under-Secretary of State's visit, which was extremely successful.

The facilities made available by the Department for the promotion of exports to Southern Africa are on a par with those made available for exports throughout the world. I take my hon. Friend's point about the Cabora Bassa dam. The export industries concerned are very interested in these possibilities.

Mr. Benn

First, has there been any change whatsoever, since the change of Government, in the policy of supplying arms to South Africa? Secondly, what estimates has the right hon. Gentleman put in to the Government of the loss of trade in other markets if arms are supplied, in line with the Government's policy?

Mr. Davies

As and when there is any decision on the subject of arms to South Africa, the House will, of course, be informed. It is my normal habit to provide estimates of future trading movements for consideration when decisions are taken on all policies by the Government.