§ 2.54 p.m.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy 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 concluded their review of the attitude of British Leyland towards the recognition of trade unions with black membership in South Africa.
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, as I told your Lordships in a Written Answer on 7th December, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Industry is in touch with British Leyland about their policy towards black trade unions in South Africa and the company are keeping that policy under review.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, is it not the case that the TUC, the Churches, both Protestant and Catholic, Sir Robert Birley and the Secretary of State for Industry himself have expressed deep concern on this matter? Is it not desirable that a company which is largely Stateowned should give a precedent in this matter in view of the opposition of very many British companies to the proposal?
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, it is no part of the Government's policy to restrict normal civil trade and investment relations with South Africa. British Leyland's overseas investment policy is a matter to be decided by its management in the framework of overall plans agreed by the National Enterprise Board.