HL Deb 20 May 1974 vol 351 cc1313-4WA
LORD BARNBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action, if any, has been taken on the recommendation of the Sub-Committee of the Expenditure Committee that instructions be issued to the British Embassy and Department of Trade in South Africa "to keep a close watch" on the employment practices of subsidiaries of British companies; what other countries in Africa or Asia have British representatives been given similar instructions; and what increase in budgeted expenditure this action is expected to generate.

LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

As my noble friend made clear on May 1, we are giving urgent and careful study to the recommendations in the report of the Trade and Industry Sub-Committee on this matter. When the study is complete, we shall consider what further instructions may need to be given to the British Embassy and Whitehall Departments, as well as what expenditure may be involved. The report of the Trade and Industry Sub-Committee dealt only with South Africa.