HC Deb 11 November 1968 vol 773 cc21-2W
77 and 78. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the take-over bid being made by a South African organisation for Solomon Limited, the principal trading firm operating on St. Helena;

(2) what action he intends to take to prevent economic activity on Saint Helena from falling under the domination of trading organisations which are based in South Africa and practise apartheid.

Mr. Whitlock

A company registered in the United Kingdom, but with South African directors, is purchasing from another United Kingdom company a majority shareholding in Solomon and Company Limited. This has given rise to considerable anxiety in the Island. We have been in close consultation with the

Name Status Duration
1966
Mr. Ahlefeldt Financial and Foreign Editors 29 days
Mr. Conradie
Mr. Faurie
Mr. Herd
Mr. W. T. Kambule Headmaster, High School 29 days
Mr. Obed Kunene Editor—"Durban Ihanga" 29 days
Mr. Uys Journalist 29 days
Mrs. Eve Huntley Stuart Journalist and Broadcaster 13 days
Mr. J. Keir Financial Editor, "National Mercury" 30 days
1967
Rev. C. J. Amon Minister, Dutch Reformed Church 29 days
Mr. H. H. Dreyer Editor Die Volksblad, Bloemfontein 29 days
Mr. A. R. Delius Leader writer, "The Cape Times" 26 days
Prof. van Jaarsveld University, Pretoria 17 days
Mr. W. C. Dempsey Senior Lecturer, Stellenbosch University 28 days
Mr. Basson M.P. (United Party) 30 days
Mr. Mulder M.P. (Nationalist Party) 30 days
Mr. Volker M.P. (Nationalist Party) 30 days
Miss Parker Political Correspondent 30 days
Dr. Rhoodie Senior Lecturer, Pretoria University 30 days

Governor and talks have been held with the purchasers.

The Governor has been invited to come to London with representatives of the Islanders in the near future to continue these discussions.

We have every hope that we shall be able to achieve an acceptable and satisfactory outcome.