§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, pursuant to the answer on Monday 25 July, the advice he gave the Marylebone Cricket Club as required to meet Her Majesty's Government's clear obligations under the 1977 Commonwealth statement on apartheid in sport, was given at the request of the Marylebone Cricket Club; and if it was given orally or in writing or both.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneAs the hon. Gentleman is well aware, the Government have a duty under the Commonwealth statement on apartheid in sport to discourage sporting contacts with South Africa, such as was proposed to MCC members. The statement does not contain the notion of "request": the giving of advice and indeed of "taking all practical steps" is an obligation for Governments. Advice to the MCC was given orally and in writing.
§ Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, pursuant to the answer of 25 July his advice to the home rugby unions was given in response to a request from the unions or whether he offered that advice without such a request.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneIn fulfilling our obligations under the Commonwealth statement on apartheid in sport, the notion of request does not arise. Advice was given to the Rugby Football Union as part of our continuing dialogue on this and other matters.