HC Deb 12 July 1976 vol 915 c19
15. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps he is taking to increase British trade with, and investment in, South Africa.

Mr. Meacher

Our policy on civil trade and investment is unchanged.

Mr. Wall

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that it is the Government's desire to increase trade with, and investment in, South Africa?

Mr. Meacher

Our policy on this matter was fully stated by the former Foreign Secretary on 4th December 1974.

Mr. Hooley

Does my hon. Friend agree that the arguments for giving economic support to apartheid do not differ from the arguments advanced 170 years ago for supporting the slave trade? Does he agree that they are as invalid and immoral today as they were then?

Mr. Meacher

I agree.

Mr. Cormack

If the Minister believes in furthering British trade, how can he reconcile his answer with the answer he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker) about credit facilities provided for Russia? Will he come clean and do away with double standards on this matter? Will he support trade with both countries or with neither?

Mr. Meacher

Credit cover and ECGD facilities are provided in full for South Africa.