HL Deb 06 December 1972 vol 337 cc245-6
LORD BROCKWAY

My 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 an investigation is to be made into the allegation that certain British shipowners and insurers are operating the transport of chrome ore from Rhodesia to the United States of America.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE)

My Lords, investigations are being made into allegations that breaches of United Kingdom sanctions controls may have occurred.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, while thanking the noble Baroness for that welcome reply, may I ask her whether she has seen the evidence which has been prepared by the American Committee on African Affairs, which states that the shipments are made from Mozambique round the Cape to the Gulf ports in the United States; that 24,000 tons are involved; and that a leading insurance company in this country has given insurance cover for these illegal activities?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I have not seen any specific allegation, although I have heard of one specific allegation, which does not seem to tally with that mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Brockway, because the one of which I am apprised concerns 500 tons of Rhodesian ferro-chrome. The fact of this incident was circulated to member-States of the United Nations Sanctions Supervisory Committee. Of course, as the noble Lord will understand, investigations have to be made both in this country and overseas.

LORD BROCKWAY

But, my Lords, is it not the case that the noble Baroness's colleague, Mr. Julian Amery, has agreed to this investigation into the charges made by the American Committee on African Affairs? Surely the noble Baroness's Department has the charges which have been made?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I must say to the noble Lord that I am concerned with the one specific allegation which has been made concerning the 500 tons. My right honourable friend in another place has said that of course any allegations will be investigated.

Back to