HC Deb 17 March 1970 vol 798 cc98-9W
Mr. Russell Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what savings are achieved by his Department as a result of approving the sharing of offices and administrative expenses between the South African Committee of the British National Export Council and the United Kingdom South African Trade Association;

(2) if he will reduce the grant payable to the British National Export Council until the council ceases to share offices with the United Kingdom South African Trade Association, in view of the Zambian Government's concern expressed to him regarding these matters.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Until very recently, the British National Export Council and the United Kingdom South African Trade Association occupied adjacent rooms and there was a certain amount of administrative co-operation.

The council does not and never has, actually shared accommodation with U.K.S.A.T.A.

Mr. Russell Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the light of the Zambian Government's representations about the political activities of the United Kingdom South African Trade Association, made on 14th January, 1970, he will order an official investigation into the affairs of the latter body.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

I am not aware of any grounds for inquiry into the affairs of the association, at present.

Mr. Russell Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the light of the political and public relations activities of the United Kingdom South African Trade Association, he will strengthen his Department's surveillance of the embargo on arms sales to South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

I am satisfied that the existing arrangements, which are operated in conjunction with the other interested Departments, are fully effective in ensuring compliance with the Government's declared policy on the embargo on arms exports to South Africa.

Mr. Russell Kerr

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations were made to his Department by the Zambian Government which related to the actions in Great Britain of representatives of the South African Government and the United Kingdom South African Trade Association; what reply he made; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

None, but I understand that the Zambian High Commission made representations on this subject to the Chairman of Barclays Bank D.C.O.