§ 2.39 p.m.
§ Lord BrockwayMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Department of Trade and Industry is encouraging British firms to invest in the South African development of advanced security equipment and in the production of gas in the South African territorial waters of Mossel Bay for conversion into oil sufficient to provide 10 per cent. of South Africa's requirements; and, if so, whether this is consistent with Her Majesty's Government's declarations of abhorrence of apartheid and their consequent bar on new investment in South Africa and on the supply of North Sea oil.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Lord Young of Graffham)My Lords, we continue to abide by the various international commitments on South Africa to which we have agreed. The voluntary ban on new investment provides for various exceptions, as agreed within the European Community.
§ Lord BrockwayMy Lords, what action do Her Majesty's Government take to ensure that the Department of Trade and Industry actively discourages investment in South Africa and the sale of oil to South Africa indirectly by transfer through ships of other countries?
§ Lord Young of GraffhamMy Lords, my department reminds those who seek advice about investing in or taking part in business with South Africa of the voluntary ban. Advice on the precise impact and interpretation of that voluntary ban is offered continually through my department. It would be as well just to remind all in your Lordships' House that under the voluntary ban we allow portfolio investment and reinvestment of existing profits, investment in respect of a normal trading activity, 780 investment with a British partner who contributes skills, services and consultancy, and, most importantly, investment in training, health and social sectors. Within those grounds it has been agreed within the Community that investment in South Africa should take place. Outside those grounds we actively discourage it.
§ Lord Williams of ElvelMy Lords, will the noble Lord recognise that it is extremely encouraging for us that my noble friend, who is as of yesterday 44 years my senior in age, is still prepared to come to this House to ask Questions on matters such as this on which we feel deeply?
§ Lord Williams of ElvelWill he understand that the question of trade and investment in South Africa just will not go away and that we shall continue to press the Government to live up to their commitments? In other words, we want action rather than words.
§ Lord Young of GraffhamMy Lords, perhaps I may say how very much I agree with the first part of the noble Lord's question and how little I agree with the second part. We know our duty and we shall do it without being prodded or reminded.