§ Mr. Greville Janner asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, in view of the decision of the industrial tribunal in the case of Anthony Simmons, where it was shown that Mr. Simmons was dismissed on the grounds of his race or ethnic origin, in order to meet the requirements of the Arab boycott, he will now seek to introduce legislation to counter the Arab boycott.
§ Mr. Peter Rees [pursuant to the reply, 21 October 1981]: The Government have consistently taken the view that as far as the United Kingdom is concerned legislation would not be an appropriate means of dealing with the problems created by the Arab boycott and would place further obstacles in the way of exporters. This was the recommendation of the report by a Select Committee in another place, which concluded that legislation carried with it economic risks with only uncertain benefits. This remains the Government's position.
§ There is so far no reason to believe that the formal operation of the Arab boycott has been extended to involve 210W discrimination within the United Kingdom on the grounds of race or ethnic origin. It does not seem that at the recent industrial tribunal hearing any evidence was given that such pressure had been applied. We shall, however, continue to maintain a close watch on the operation of the Arab boycott regulations.