HC Deb 25 June 1986 vol 100 cc181-2W
Mr. Frank Field

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 18 June, Official Report, column 569, whether the target wage level for British firms operating in South Africa is the minimum living level plus 50 per cent. or plus 30 per cent. as calculated by the University of South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

[pursuant to his reply, 24 June 1986]: The level of minumum wages required under the revised code of conduct for companies operating in South Africa, as agreed by EC Foreign Ministers last November, is the supplemented living level (SLL) for the district concerned, as calculated by the University of South Africa, for a family of average size. The code stresses that this level should be regarded as an absolute minimum and not as a target.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's investigations into the case of Milcom Electronics UK Ltd. in the context of the arms embargo on South Africa.

Mr. Alan Clark

[pursuant to his reply, 24 June 1986]: I have no reason to believe that our international obligations in respect of the import of arms from South Africa are not being observed. If there is evidence to the contrary, I am willing to receive it.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps have been taken to enforce the embargo on the import of arms from South Africa since the discussions between his Department and Milcom Electronics UK Ltd.

Mr. Alan Clark

[pursuant to his reply, 24 June 1986]: I would refer the hon. Member to my earlier replies of 24 June and today. It is not clear which are the alleged discussions the hon. Member refers to.

Forward to