HL Deb 14 February 1978 vol 388 cc1245-7

2.47 p.m.

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 what has been their response to the request of the United Nations to proclaim the year 1978–79 the "International Year Against Apartheid".

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, we supported the United Nations General Assembly Resolution proclaiming International Anti-Apartheid Year from 21st March. During this important year, we will maintain our total opposition to apartheid and continue our efforts to promote the cause of rapid and peaceful change in South Africa. We are at present considering how best to mark the year.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, though I welcome that Answer, are we not, nevertheless, being a little hypocritical in out attitude on this issue? Is it not a fact that permission is given for large British investment in South Africa, which profits from the very system of apartheid to which we are so opposed, and that many of those businesses are not even carrying out the code of working conditions demanded by our Government and the EEC? In reconsidering the matter, will Her Majesty's Government bear that in mind during International Anti-Apartheid Year?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, on the question of our relations in economic affairs with Southern Africa as a whole, may I remind my noble friend Lord Brockway and the House that we keep very closely in touch with our Western partners and others who, like us, have an economic stake in the Republic. Our links can be used as a means of influencing the cause of peaceful change in the Republic. We had that objective in mind in drawing up in the Nine a code of conduct for firms operating in South Africa. I think that there is no doubt about the Government's intentions and, indeed, those of this country, in expressing their anti-apartheid feelings very strongly indeed. There must also be no doubt that we must consult with like-minded countries as to the best way to advance that cause.

Lord RITCHIE-CALDER

My Lords, will my noble friend tell us what positive contribution we shall make to International Anti-Apartheid Year?—because the British Government usually help to organise, arrange or stimulate bodies to active participation. Shall we have any active participation, or shall we just be on the sidelines?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, we shall most certainly, as always, have active participation in these observances which have the sanction of the international authority. I understand that the United Nations Organisation has already had talks with the British Broadcasting Corporation. No doubt various bodies, including Her Majesty's Government and the major parties of State, will be examining ways and means of marking International Anti-Apartheid Year. Preparations are in hand, but the Year in fact does not officially begin until 21st March.

Lord GLADWYN

My Lords, if we are to have an International Year Against Apartheid, would it not be equally desirable to have an International Year Against Genocide?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, no doubt—and I take the point very seriously indeed—there are a number of international enormities against which mankind as a whole should not only protest but do so effectively, following up the protest with appropriate action.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, is there not this difference: Is not the Republic of South Africa the only Government in the world which accepts the philosophy of apartheid and even boasts of it?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, it certainly practices apartheid. I should need to study a little more carefully whether it is the only Government and country in the world which practices some form of apartheid.

The Earl of GLASGOW

My Lords, can the noble Lord instance one single advantage to anyone as a result of introducing International Year Against Apartheid?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, yes. I do not wish to detain the House on the matter, but I think it is an excellent thing that the consensus of conscience in this country and throughout most of the world should be marked appropriately in this way by a declaration extending throughout a year.

Lord LEATHERLAND

My Lords, would not one of the best contributions that this country could make to International Anti-Apartheid year be to ask our politicians to abstain from making racist speeches?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, I am tempted to suggest that a good many causes would be positively encouraged by asking politicians not to make speeches at all.