§ 52. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Attorney-General if he will refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions the activities of ICL in South Africa, with a view to prosecution for breaches of the Rhodesia sanctions orders.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Law Officers' Department (Mr. Arthur Davidson)My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General has received no information which would justify his doing so. Any information received will be given full consideration.
§ Mr. HughesIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that ICL advertises in the Rhodesian press as being able to make available all ranges of computer services and to supply computers? Since the firm has no manufacturing capacity in South Africa, is it not reasonable to assume that there is some connection between the manufacture of computers in this country and their supply to Rhodesia? Is this not a matter which should be investigated thoroughly, and will my hon. and learned Friend arrange for an investigation if I send him further information?
§ Mr. DavidsonIf my hon. Friend sends me further information I shall examine it, and if it contains something that ought to 28 go to the Director of Public Prosecutions my hon. Friend may be assured that it will be sent to him.
§ Mr. John EllisIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that as far back as 1968 the House refused to allow a company registered in London, but trading mainly in South Africa, to change its registration from this country to South Africa? Has he made any inquiries about the number of firms which, although they may be trading mainly in South Africa, are registered at the Stock Exchange and are busting sanctions even now? If he has not looked at this area, why does he not do so and find these firms and prosecute where necessary?
§ Mr. DavidsonI am not aware of the case to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he has evidence that certain firms are sanctions-busting perhaps he will send it to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General. The evidence will be examined, and if it reveals that there has been a criminal offence, it will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for examination with a view to criminal proceedings being instituted.