§ 25. Mr. Frank Fieldasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the Church Commissioners' policy on investments in South Africa.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe Church Commissioners do not invest in South African companies or in other companies whose activities in South Africa are a major part of their total business. Where companies have some stake in that country, their activities are monitored to ensure that they follow enlightened employment policies. This, we believe, represents a small but worthwhile contribution to the gradual disbandment of the apartheid system in South Africa, which we all abhor.
§ Mr. FieldWill the hon. Gentleman give information, either now or later, about any changes in Church investment policy since Bishop Tutu's enthronement speech asking Christians to make the maximum nonviolent protest against apartheid?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe views of Bishop Tutu and others of great repute and distinction must be borne in mind against the background that, according to our best estimates less than 1 per cent. of the commissioners' total income derives from South Africa, so the involvement is already very small indeed.