HC Deb 18 November 1987 vol 122 cc588-9W
22. Mr. John Carlisle

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will review the effectiveness of sanctions made against South Africa; and whether any further measures are being considered.

Mrs. Chalker

As I told my hon. Friend on 21 January, the restrictive measures we have adopted are designed to bring home to the South African Government the urgent need for fundamental, peaceful change. Regrettably there is no sign at present that they are prepared to take steps needed to bring about such change. No new measures are under consideration.

33. Mr. Bradley

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will arrange for a British Government representative to observe the trial in South Africa of Mr. Moses Mayekios and others.

Mrs. Chalker

Her Majesty's embassy at Pretoria has already been present at the trial of Mr. Mayekios and his co-defendants. We shall continue to follow closely the progress of the trial.

43. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the South African ambassador to the Court of St. James; and what matters were discussed.

Mrs. Chalker

The South African ambassador paid a courtesy call on my right hon. and learned Friend on 3 July, shortly after his appointment to the Court of St. James.

46. Mr. John Townend

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the effect that the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom have had upon the employment of black people in South Africa.

Mrs. Chalker

Precise information is not available. However, the limited restrictive measures introduced against South Africa were designed to send a signal to the South African Government of our strong opposition to apartheid, but without destroying large numbers of black jobs in the process.

49. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider reviewing British policy towards South Africa in the light of the United Democratic Front's decision to suspend relations with Her Majesty's Government in response to current British policy.

Mrs. Chalker

No.

57. Miss Mowlam

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review British policy towards South Africa in the light of the United Democratic Front's decision to suspend relations with the British Government in response to current British policy.

Mrs. Chalker

No.

86. Mr. George Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he or one of his Ministers last met Chief Buthelezi and President Mangope.

Mrs. Chalker

My right hon. and learned Friend met Chief Buthelezi in South Africa on 28 July 1986, during the course of his European Community Presidency mission. Neither my right hon. and learned Friend nor any other Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister has met Mr. Mangope.

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