HC Deb 25 April 1984 vol 58 cc722-3
12. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the political implications of United Kingdom trading links with South Africa.

Mr. Rifkind

It is our policy that civil trade should be determined by commercial considerations. This implies neither approval nor disapproval of the policies of the countries concerned.

Mr. Pike

As there has been little progress in making South Africa change its policy of apartheid, which is utterly unacceptable and condemned throughout the world, is it not time that the Government considered taking steps towards a full and effective trade ban with South Africa and attempted a ban on direct and indirect investment there to make South Africa rethink its policy?

Mr. Rifkind

The hon. Gentleman has provided no evidence to suggest that an economic ban would have the effect which he obviously desires. He should also take into account the fragile economic circumstances of some countries surrounding South Africa and the devastating effect that an embargo on trade with South Africa would have on countries in the region.

Sir William Clark

Does my hon. Friend agree that there is a tremendous amount of hypocrisy in regard to South Africa? Does he agree that many countries and many right hon. and hon. Members apply double standards over South Africa, as there are many countries that have far more repressive societies than South Africa and yet they are never criticised?

Mr. Rifkind

My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the danger of applying double standards. There are many oppressive regimes in various parts of the world but I must add that South Africa is the only country, that applies a policy of segregation based on the colour of its citizens.

Mr. Freud

Will the Minister consider severing trade with South Africa in commodities such as athletes, who are coming to Britain in search of pseudo-national glory and newspaper circulation?

Mr. Rifkind

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Government observe the United Nations mandatory embargo on arms sales. We do not believe it appropriate to restrict other forms of trade or to restrict the movement of individuals who wish to travel to South Africa or from that country to Britain.

Mr. Hoyle

Does the Minister agree that we should not take too much notice of financial interests, as expressed on the Conservative Benches, but that we should run down our trade with South Africa? Does he further agree that that aim is not achieved by building up sporting links with South Africa through allowing the British rugby team to go there?

Mr. Rifkind

Those who have visited South Africa in recent years will have noticed that the economic impossibility of apartheid is becoming increasingly obvious throughout South African society. Today one sees the blacks playing an economic role in South Africa that is significantly different from what would have been found some years ago. It is difficult to believe that a policy of economic embargo, even if it were to be successful, would assist in that progress.

Mr. Couchman

Does my hon. Friend agree that the present moves by certain Labour authorities to victimise a young British citizen in pursuance of their hatred of South Africa is entirely reprehensible?

Mr. Rifkind

I agree that local authorities should take into account their proper responsibilities and not seek to involve themselves in matters for which they are not accountable to their ratepayers.

Mr. Anderson

May we applaud the Minister's willingness to tell his own side the fact of life that no other country in the world discriminates against the majority of its population on the grounds of colour? In view of our longer-term and trading interests in the rest of Africa, will he seek to discourage new investment by British firms in South Africa?

Mr. Rifkind

I am afraid that I cannot agree with the hon. Gentleman. I do not believe that it would be in the interests of the people of South Africa, black or white, for Britain or the international community to impose an economic embargo against South Africa. Nor do I believe that it would be possible in practice to enforce such an embargo even if it were attempted.