§ 9. Sir Gilbert Longdenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied by the information most recently published by the United Nations Sanctions Supervisory Committee that mandatory sanctions are in fact being enforced by all members of the United Nations.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Lord Balniel)No, Sir. There is evidence, including the Fifth Report of the Sanctions Committee, published in February, that some countries still trade with Rhodesia. But many more States do enforce mandatory sanctions.
§ Sir Gilbert LongdenIs this not very exasperating to people who are honouring their commitments? What is being done to compel or persuade defaulters to come to heel?
§ Lord BalnielWhen we have reason to believe that there has been a breach of sanctions we make available to the United Nations Sanctions Supervisory Committee the relevant information about it. Our notes are not proof of an offence and it would be misleading to list the countries concerned. The reports of the Sanctions Supervisory Committee are placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. WhiteheadOn the matter of sanctions, will the Government convey to the American Government our feelings about the continued import of chrome into the United States, particularly as the House of Representatives and the Senate are to vote on the repeal of the Byrd Amendment in the next few weeks?
§ Lord BalnielThe enforcement of the regulations governing sanctions is a matter for the Sanctions Supervisory Committee, and the responsibility for ensuring that the United Nations Resolution is observed rests with that committee.
§ Mr. FellBut as it is known the world over that sanctions are being broken right, left and centre by members of the United Nations anyway, why is it that tomorrow we are being asked to vote again to apply, almost unilaterally, sanctions against Rhodesia?
§ Lord BalnielAs the matter is to be debated tomorrow, I suggest that my hon. Friend waits and listens to the arguments.