HL Deb 17 December 1974 vol 355 cc1155-6WA
Lord BARNBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether in regard to their recently anounced intention of projecting ideological politics into sport and recreation with regard to Southern Africa, they will explain the apparent inconsistency of not acting likewise with regard to Communist Russia regarding which Press reports here consistently indicate brutal internal oppression, also massive detentions without trial—particularly since our balance of trade with South Africa is currently in our favour whereas with Russia it is heavily adverse.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS)

On policy towards Southern Africa I would refer the noble Lord to my Statement of 4th December. On the wider question of human rights, there is no difference in our attitude in different countries. We shall speak and act on these matters whenever and wherever we feel it right.