HC Deb 03 July 1997 vol 297 cc403-4
4. Mr. Coaker

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she has taken to promote greater trade with South Africa. [5206]

The President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mrs. Margaret Beckett)

I have already met senior Ministers from South Africa to discuss trade promotion both in the context of bilateral trade and trade with the European Union. The Minister for Trade has also visited South Africa to discuss areas of co-operation.

Mr. Coaker

I thank my right hon. Friend for that statement, which I welcome because trade is the key to prosperity. Does she agree that the positive relationship that now exists between the new Labour Government and the South African Government is a key to that future prosperity and to creating jobs in South Africa and here in Britain?

Will my right hon. Friend also take this opportunity to congratulate the British Lions on their recent success? We look forward to that success being continued on Saturday. Does my right hon. Friend agree that such sporting contacts between our two nations help to develop trade?

Mrs. Beckett

I am very happy to have the opportunity to congratulate the British Lions, although whether that will have increased the warmth of feeling towards us in South Africa I am not entirely sure. However, I share my hon. Friend's wish to see continued British sporting success, which I think we all feel owes something to a new mood of confidence in our country.

I certainly share my hon. Friend's view that few things can do more to promote successful trade with South Africa, as with other countries, than a positive relationship of the kind we enjoy with the South African Government, and that that relationship is enjoyed within the context of a positive relationship towards the European Union. Better trading within a relationship with the EU is essential for South Africa's future, and we are working to that end.

Mrs. Gillan

Given that tourism is an important part of our trade with South Africa, does the President consider it damaging and prejudicial to the travel industry that the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs should make statements, as he did in Athens last weekend, which pre-empt the Monopolies and Mergers Commission investigation of that industry? What disciplinary action will she take over the Minister's conduct abroad?

Mrs. Beckett

I am not entirely sure that that arises directly from the issue of trade with South Africa. My hon. Friend did not take any action that would be damaging to British interests—one would not expect a Minister to do so. In the few short weeks we have been in office, he has done a great deal of work to promote British tourism and the cause of Britain in that context.