§ 3. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received concerning the advice given by his Department to British firms with branches in the Republic of South Africa.
§ Sir G. HoweNone; but my Department has dealt with several requests for additional factual information.
§ Mr. JuddWhile hon. Members on both sides naturally welcome the current concern about low wage rates in South Africa and the action being taken to correct this situation, may I ask whether the Minister would agree that much of this concern misses the main point in South Africa, which is that workers are without basic rights and are totally with- 994 out trade union representation as a basis for bargaining for their own interests? Would not the Minister agree that it is incumbent on the Government to give British financial interests in South Africa some pretty firm advice in this respect, particularly in view of the Government's often-repeated commitment to regularise by law the situation in this respect in this country itself?
§ Sir G. HoweThe situation in this country itself is, of course, different from that which arises in South Africa. Many of the aspects referred to by the hon. Member are to be investigated by the inquiry being conducted by the Sub-Committee of the Expenditure Committee, and there is a limit to the extent to which this Government should make announcements or intervene in relation to matters in South Africa, particularly while that Committee is still inquiring.