HC Deb 11 July 1969 vol 786 cc326-8W
Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the French Government regarding the 10 per cent. increase in French exports to Rhodesia in the first four months of this year; and with what results;

(2) what representations he has made to the Australian Government regarding the 23 per cent. increase in Australian imports from Rhodesia last year; and with what results;

(3) what representations he has made to the French Government regarding the 10½ per cent. increase in French imports from Rhodesia last year; and with what results;

(4) what representations he has made to the German Government regarding the increase in German exports to Rhodesia last year by 5 per cent. and by 18 per cent. over the pre-Unilateral Declaration of Independence levels; and with what results;

(5) what representations he has made to the Swiss Government regarding the increase in Swiss exports to Rhodesia last year by 30 per cent. and by 53 per cent. over the pre-Unilateral Declaration of Independence levels; and with what results;

(6) what representations he has made to the Australian Government regarding the increase in Australian exports to Rhodesia last year by 3 per cent. and by 30 per cent. over the pre-Unilateral Declaration of Independence levels; and with what results.

Mr. Foley

As the hon. Member was informed on 17th February, we keep in touch with friendly Governments about ways of making sanctions more effective, but it is for the Security Council, acting on the advice of the committee established in pursuance of resolution No. 253 of the 29th May, 1968, to determine whether any particular Government is in breach of its obligations under that resolution.—[Vol. 778, c.3.]

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Federal German Government regarding the $10 million-worth of Rhodesian copper imported into Germany last year; and with what results.

Mr. Foley

I understand that the long-term contracts under which Rhodesian copper was being imported into Western Germany in 1968 have been terminated.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the excess of Japanese imports of asbestos described as originating from South Africa over the corresponding South-African estimate of exports of asbestos to Japan now exceeds total Rhodesian exports of asbestos to all destinations prior to the Unilateral Declaration of Independence, he will review the operation of Her Majesty's Government's sanctions policy.

Mr. Foley

It is for the Security Council, acting on the advice of the committee established in pursuance of resolution 253 of 29th May 1968, to determine whether any particular Government is in breach of its obligations under that resolution. As my right hon. Friend told the House on 24th June, what is imperatively needed is the rigorous observance of the existing sanctions. Her Majesty's Government have been most careful to observe sanctions and to co-operate fully with the United Nations Supervisory Committee. We shall continue to press strongly for the resolute observance of the policy which the Council has already laid down.—[Vol. 785, c. 1224.]