HC Deb 18 February 1981 vol 999 cc137-8W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is his policy towards the embargo on oil supplies to South Africa agreed upon by the OPEC countries; if he intends to seek to implement the embargo so far as British oil companies, their subsidiaries and associates and British shipping is concerned; and what information he is gathering on this matter.

Mr. Luce

There is no general ban on British companies supplying oil to South Africa. Certain countries have imposed a unilateral embargo. The Government expect British companies to observe the laws of other countries within whose jurisdiction they operate, but this embargo is not imposed by the United Kingdom, and it is not for the British Government to enforce it.