South Africa

HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc599-600W

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of the measures taken by the United Kingdom affecting trade with South Africa required the prior approval of the EEC Commission and Council.

Mrs. Chalker

The 12 member states of the European Community agreed at Luxembourg in September 1985 on a package which included certain restrictive measures against South Africa to be implemented by national action. Neither these nor the other measures taken by the United Kingdom against South Africa have required the prior approval of the EEC Commission and Council.

Mr. Caborn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give details of any NATO meetings, conferences or seminars or such events organised by NATO to which South Africa was invited in either a full or observer capacity.

Mr. Renton

As far as I am aware, representatives of South Africa have not been invited to NATO meetings, conferences or seminars or such events since 1982.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his latest discussions on attempting to end apartheid in South Africa.

Mrs. Chalker

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary is currently in Southern Africa on the second stage of his presidency mission. On 23 July he met the South African State President P. W. Botha and Foreign Minister R. F. Botha. The discussions were candid, courteous and substantive. He will have a further meeting with President Botha on 29 July.

Mr. Dicks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which African countries have indicated to Her Majesty's Government either privately or by any other means that they would be unable or unwilling to implement economic sanctions against South Africa.

Mrs. Chalker

Communications between Governments are confidential. However, there have been indications from a few African countries of their concern at the implications for them of the imposition of general economic sanctions against South Africa.