HC Deb 14 April 1994 vol 241 cc271-2W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what remaining sanctions are being applied by Britain and other countries on South Africa; and when it is intended that they should be lifted.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The following international sanctions against South Africa are being applied by Britain—with exceptions as indicated:

United Nations A mandatory embargo under SCR 418 of 4 November 1977 on the export of arms and para-military equipment to South Africa.

European Union

  1. (i) An embargo on exports of arms and para-military equipment to South Africa;
  2. (ii) An embargo on imports of arms and para-military equipment from South Africa;
  3. (iii) A refusal to cooperate in the military sphere (ie a continuing ban on eg joint military exercises).

Commonwealth (i) The strict enforcement of the mandatory Arms Embargo against South Africa; (ii) Economic measures against South Africa as follows:

  1. (a) A ban on the sale and export of computer equipment capable of use by South African military forces, police or security forces1;
  2. (b) A ban on new contracts for the sale and export of nuclear goods, materials and technology to South Africa1;
  3. (c) A ban on the sale and export of oil to South Africa2;
  4. (d) A strict and rigorously controlled embargo on imports of arms, ammunition, military vehicles and para-military equipment from South Africa;
  5. (e) An embargo on all military cooperation with South Africa.

accordance with the report to the Foreign Affairs Committee "The Abuse of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges (1985)" as offences falling into the category which would in certain circumstances attract a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment or more. The majority involved drinking and driving, and shoplifting.

One diplomat was withdrawn from post in Britain as a result of alleged offences compared with eight the previous year.

1 United Kingdom adherence ended following lifting of comparable European Union restrictions following the first meeting of the Transitional Executive Council on 7 December 1993.

2 United Kingdom adherence ended following lifting of EC Oil Embargo in April 1992.

The lifting of United Nations embargoes is a matter for the Security Council. The European Union and Commonwealth have not yet agreed when their remaining restrictions will be lifted.

Forward to