§ 12. Mr. Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok)If he will make a statement on the implications for the UK of the EU agreement on trade with South Africa. [100536]
§ The Minister for Trade (Mr. Richard Caborn)The European Union is South Africa's major trading partner, and the agreement will strengthen that relationship and create new opportunities for United Kingdom and South African companies to do business with each other. For those reasons, the Government strongly support the conclusion of the agreement.
§ Mr. DavidsonDoes the Minister accept that the United Kingdom has a particular responsibility to try to create a prosperous post-apartheid South Africa because of the previous Conservative Government's long-term support for the apartheid state? What specifically are the United Kingdom Government doing to go that extra mile, to ensure that we play our part in trying to create more jobs, employment and prosperity in South Africa?
§ Mr. CabornOur Prime Minister went that extra mile at Berlin, where, because of his initiative, the agreement was made. Although we should have liked the agricultural 985 sector to go a little further than it did, the lead given by our Prime Minister in Berlin is clearly paying dividends in our now very strong relationship with South Africa. That lead was evident also at Seattle and in the Commonwealth, and I am sure that it will pay dividends in the future.
§ Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire)Despite the Minister's risible claims about the Government's close relations with our European brothers and sisters on the continent, will he confirm whether British beef may be exported to South Africa under the agreement?
§ Mr. CabornThe answer is no at the moment. A scientific team from South Africa was in this country a few weeks ago and it is now reporting to the South African Cabinet. I hope that we shall get an agreement to export beef to South Africa, which was the largest market outside the European Union. We are pursuing the issue vigorously.