§ 18. Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if European Economic Community discussions about joint action against South Africa take place within the framework of political co-operation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe Foreign Ministers of the Twelve discussed South Africa in Political Co-operation on 15 and 16 September and again on 27 October. They will continue to pay close attention to the issue.
§ Mr. DeakinsDoes not the situation in the Community over South Africa illustrate the confusion that exists in institutional arrangements, which is now being sanctified by the Single European Act? Political co-operation is supposed to be separate from the rest of the EEC's activities, yet the absurd and limited sanctions against South Africa have had to be imposed by Trade Ministers. Does that not illustrate the confusion underlying the Government's approach on this issue?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI am afraid that it illustrates no such thing, save the hon. Gentleman's ignorance of the facts. The decisions on the measures against South Africa were taken by Community Ministers meeting in political co-operation, but the implementation of the measures was agreed at meetings of the Council on Monday, because the trade measures had to be taken by a regulation at that Council. Those measures were agreed not by Trade Ministers but by Foreign Ministers meeting in the General Affairs Council. The purpose and effect of the Single European Act is to bring closer together the working of those various institutions.
§ Mr. HealeyWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman now answer the question that I put to him yesterday? Is it the Government's view that it is the responsibility of the Community as such to ensure compliance with the decisions of the European Council on sanctions against South Africa?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe question depends on the precise instrument under which the particular sanctions are imposed—
§ Mr. HealeyAnswer the question.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI will do so if the right hon. Gentleman gives me a chance. For example, action on coins has been taken under a regulation agreed on Monday, in line with decisions already taken and announced in the House by this Government. The decision on a ban on investment was taken by representatives of member states meeting on Monday, and will be enforced by member states according to their specific requirements.
§ Mr. FauldsOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker, to do with questions. I do not wish to raise either the fact that no Opposition Member was called who supports the Turkish-Cypriot case or that no hon. Member was called who argues that Argentina's claim to sovereignty over the Falklands is valid. What I want to raise is whether it is not ridiculous that we have an hour of Foreign Affairs questions in which not a single reference to the breaking of diplomatic relations with Syria can be made. Is it not necessary that the relevant authorities should examine the advisability of leaving a five-minute gap in the hour for Foreign Affairs questions so that emergency, last-minute questions could be put in? We could then have an opportunity to discuss the fact that the breaking of relations with Syria was not done on the judgment of the Foreign Office but on the diktat of No. 10.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That would be an interesting suggestion to put to the Procedure Committee. However, I was glad that I was able to call the hon. Gentleman on question No. 1.
§ Mr. Tony BanksFurther to that point of order, Mr. Speaker. I support my hon. Friend the Member for Warley, East (Mr. Faulds), as you will recall that yesterday you cut short a statement by the Foreign Secretary—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I do not cut short statements.
§ Mr. SpeakerI did not. I said that today I would bear in mind those who were not called yesterday. That is exactly what I have done.
§ Mr. FauldsFurther to that point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I have dealt with the hon. Gentleman's point, and I said that he should put his interesting suggestion to the Procedure Committee.