HC Deb 26 March 1973 vol 853 cc897-9
8. Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's investigations into the carriage by a British registered vessel of a consignment of Rhodesian ferro-chrome from southern Africa to the United States of America.

Sir G. Howe

I hope that our investigations into this allegation will soon be completed and that it will then be possible to make a statement.

Mr. Molloy

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply, but is he not aware that Ministers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Department have from time to time in the House condemned sanction-breaking? Does he agree that this matter must be treated urgently? When his investigations are completed, will he consider making a statement to the House?

Sir G. Howe

As I indicated earlier, when the investigations have been completed it should be possible to make a statement. The investigations are being pursued as quickly as possible.

Mr. Tebbit

Is my right hon. and learned Friend able to say whether Rhodesian ferro-chrome has been going to Russia and whether there is any country left except this country which is observing sanctions?

Sir G. Howe

I cannot comment on my hon. Friend's inquiry about the export of ferro-chrome to Russia, but I do not accept that Britain is the only country left which is observing sanctions.

Mr. Mikardo

I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for the information that he hopes to be able to make a statement soon, but will he recall that I, and doubtless others, have been in correspondence with him over this matter for many months? If there is further delay, it will inevitably arouse suspicion that some sort of cover-up is going on.

Sir G. Howe

Suspicions might be aroused but they would be unjustified. Investigations are being undertaken. They involve detailed inquiries in this country and overseas, and as soon as they are completed the results can be made known.

Mr. Mason

What action can the Minister take against British shipping companies whose vessels are directly or indirectly involved in sanction-busting? Has any action been taken against any shipping companies? Have any warnings been issued to them?

Sir G. Howe

The provisions of the Southern Rhodesia (United Nations) (No. 2) Order 1968 are complete and give the Government adequate and sufficient power to control the activities of shipping companies in relation to sanctions.

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