HC Deb 27 April 1978 vol 948 c677W
Mr. Frank Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances have been given to South Africa that oil sanctions will not be applied against her.

Mr. Rowlands

No such assurances have been given.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the light of the decision by the Commonwealth Committee on South Africa that guarantees be sought from the Government of South Africa that oil supplies to Rhodesia be cut off, what representations have been made on this subject to South Africa by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Rowlands

The Commonwealth Committee on South Africa, in a useful report, made a number of recommendations in this field. These recommendations are for consideration by Commonwealth Heads of Government.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will now move in the United Nations Security Council to impose an oil embargo against South Africa, in the light of continued breach of oil sanctions against Rhodesia.

Mr. Rowlands

My right hon. Friend does not believe that such an initiative would be timely. In our judgment, it would not contribute to our efforts to bring about a negotiated settlement in Rhodesia.

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