§ 1. Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with South Africa.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Douglas Hurd)Our links with South Africa are strengthening rapidly through trade, aid, sport, science, culture, military help and parliamentary contacts. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister paid a successful visit to South Africa in September. Her Majesty the Queen's state visit this month will be a strong symbol of the warmth of our friendship.
§ Mr. EvansIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a tremendous amount of good will in South Africa towards this country, as was demonstrated by the visit of our right hon. Friends the Prime Minister. and the President of the Board of Trade to South Africa? Does he agree that the Government and British companies will have to work hard to ensure that they build on the good will which already exists in South Africa?
§ Mr. HurdI entirely agree. Our exports had increased by 15 per cent. in the first 11 months of last year. They are more than £1 billion now, invisibles are a further £1 billion approximately and we are the biggest overseas investor in South Africa, so those links are strong and becoming stronger all the time.