HC Deb 24 July 1963 vol 681 cc180-1W
83. Mr. Wall

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the United Nations' proposals to eject South Africa from that organisation and to impose economic sanctions.

Mr. Heath

As my hon. Friend the Minister of State told the House on 12th November last year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted on 6th November a resolution calling on member States to break off diplomatic relations with the Republic and to impose sanctions including a complete embargo on trade. Her Majesty's Government, in company with the United States, a number of Commonwealth countries and a majority of Western European countries, voted against that resolution, which had the force only of a recommendation to member states. The United Kingdom delegate in the Special Political Committee explained Her Majesty's Government's opposition to the terms of the resolution, including the paragraphs dealing with economic sanctions and the possibility of the expulsion of South Africa from the United Nations. Our attitude to these proposals has not changed.