§ 21. Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what volume of trade in cash terms was conducted with South Africa in 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively (a) in imports and (b) in exports.
§ Mr. ChannonThe value of United Kingdom imports from South Africa were £765 million in 1983, £726 million in 1984 and £914 million in the first 11 months of 1985. The corresponding figures for exports were £1,111 million £1,204 million and £933 million respectively.
§ Mr. FlanneryIs that not a comment on the political efforts of this Government at a time when apartheid in South Africa is grinding the whole of southern Africa into confusion? People are being shot down daily — [Interruption.]—murdered all over the place, because they are asking for some kind of equality. Why do we not take a leaf out of the American book and exert some pressure on that Government and make it clear to them that we are not willing to flourish while people are held in such miserable subjection in that country?
§ Mr. ChannonI disagree with the hon. Gentleman's analysis of events. No one dislikes apartheid more than do my hon. Friends and myself. One of the major forces for reform in South Africa has been the activities of industry, and in particular British industry, in improving conditions for black workers in South Africa and protecting jobs both here and there over the past few years.
§ Mr. HillDoes my right hon. Friend agree that more publicity should be given to the number of jobs that rely on South African trade—in particular, the work that we do in the port of Southampton—and to the fact that many workers take the realistic view that South African trade provides their livelihood? Is it not the case that any way in which we can expand trade with South Africa would be good for this country's work force?
§ Mr. ChannonMy hon. Friend is right to point that out. There are probably hundreds of thousands of jobs in this country that depend upon trade with South Africa, and many thousands of jobs—including many among the black workers—in South Africa.
§ Mr. Nellistrose—
§ Mr. Maddenrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I shall take points of order arising directly out of questions.
§ Mr. MaddenOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerArising directly out of questions?
§ Mr. MaddenIndeed, Mr. Speaker. I ask you to reflect on your ruling about question 1 today. It involved the CBI and the regulation of financial services. You will recollect that you asked my hon. Friend the Member for Dagenham (Mr. Gould) and other hon. Members who wanted to ask questions about Lloyd's to desist. If your ruling stands, it would seem that in future you are prepared to accept questions about Lloyd's only if the question refers to 1075 Lloyd's, such as question 14. As it is an important matter, I ask whether you would reflect on the matter and give the House your advice.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I can say to the hon. Member straight away that I reflected when the question was first put. I knew perfectly well that question 14 on the Order Paper was the question on which these matters should properly be raised.
§ Mr. NellistOn a point of order arising out of Question Time, Mr. Speaker. Would you consider later today expressing your sympathy, on behalf of the Opposition, with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for the fact that, following his loss of his memory yesterday, he has lost his voice this afternoon? He answered only two questions.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I have lost my voice as well.