HC Deb 20 May 1974 vol 874 cc28-9W
Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Ambassador to South Africa has, on his instructions, forbidden or otherwise discouraged the families of his British employees in that country to attend rugby matches and social meetings between the British Lions and South African Bantu and Colored as well as white rugby players and supporters; whether his ban on the embassy's entertainment of the Lions team extends to hospitality offered to them by his staff in their private houses during off duty hours and on a multiracial basis; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for these instructions.

Miss Joan Lestor

In view of Her Majesty's Government's known disapproval of the tour, because the South African teams are chosen on the basis of race rather than merit, it is natural and consistent that the ambassador and United Kingdom-based members of his staff while providing normal consular facilities should not extend hospitality or attend matches or receptions for the team. This applies to all matches and social functions during the tour.

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