§ 3.4 p.m.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any statement to make as to their attitude towards the proposed boycotting of trade with the Republic of South Africa.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD DERWENT)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government do not support the proposal for a boycott. They have frequently condemned the racial policy of the South African Government, against which the proposal is directed, but they do not believe that a boycott of trade would help.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that the territory of Basutoland, which is a most cherished British Protectorate, is an enclave in the heart of South Africa; that this territory has nearly a million Africans in it; that it is almost wholly dependent on the trade and prosperity of South Africa itself, and, therefore, that all men of moderate mind and good will in South Africa will welcome the plain, straightforward and unambiguous statement which he has made?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, may I add just one word regarding that supplementary question? We are, of course, directly responsible for the High Commission territory many of whose citizens work in the Republic and would be directly affected by the economic consequences of sanctions.