§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on proposals discussed at the United Nations on possible trade and other sanctions against South Africa; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government have not taken up a formal position on a question which we hope will not go beyond the stage of discussion. But we have consistently made it clear that we believe that sanctions would cause grave damage to the prospects for a negotiated settlement in Namibia and for peaceful change in Southern Africa. Sanctions would also create considerable problems for many countries, including countries in Southern Africa, as well as for the United Kingdom and other Western States. The Government remain committed to the existing mandatory United Nations arms embargo against South Africa.