§ Mr. Bryan Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the effect on British firms operating in South Africa of the banning of trade unionists by the South African Government.
§ Mr. RowlandsThese bannings have made the task of British firms in promoting good industrial relations practice in South Africa more difficult. Her Majesty's Government share the grave concern shown by public opinion in this country on this matter. These banning orders have been imposed on persons who have been working to secure for black and other non-white South African workers their rights which should be120W normal in a civilised society. These orders run counter to our most fundamental concepts of human freedom. We hope that the South African authorities will reconsider their actions and come to accept that trade unions, including black trade unions, have a proper and necessary rôle to play in building a society in which all South Africans can live and work together in peace, freedom and equality.