HC Deb 23 March 1979 vol 964 cc317-8W
Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the proposal that International Computers Limited should establish a manufacturing capacity in South Africa, in view of the fact that some of its products could be used for repression by the South African police force; how such a proposal is affected by the code of conduct; and if he will make a statement

Mr. Luard

The Government are determined to fulfil faithfully their obligations under the Security Council's arms embargo against South Africa. If International Computers Limited contemplates some form of licensing arrangement for manufacture in South Africa it will need to consult the Government: the Government would then consider the proposal in the light of all relevant circumstances. Companies acquiring new interests in South Africa are expected to apply the code of conduct and to report under it in accordance with the United Kingdom White Paper—Cmnd. 7233. International Computers Limited has already reported under the code in respect of its present interests in South Africa.—[Vol. 962, c. 654.]