§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government will seek to review the Gleneagles agreement in the light of the recent constitutional changes taking place in South Africa.
§ Mr. RifkindNo. The Commonwealth statement on apartheid in sport (the "Gleneagles Agreement") may only be changed by Commonwealth Heads of Government. Our policy is to discourage sporting contacts with South Africa in accordance with the statement. We naturally hope that the outcome of the referendum on the constitution in South Africa will further the process of change we would like to see there.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) discussed matters relating to the Commonwealth conference in December with South African Ministers during his recent visit to the Republic of South Africa; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindI discussed southern African problems, including Namibia and South Africa's relations with its neighbours, with South African Ministers. We expect these issues to be discussed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he discussed the issue of sporting links during his recent discussions with South African Ministers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindMy right hon. and learned Friend has had no recent discussions with South African Ministers. The question of sporting links was not raised during my recent visit to South Africa.
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§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, during his recent visit to the Republic of South Africa, the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) had any meetings with (a) industrial and commercial leaders, (b) leaders of opposition political parties and (c) leaders of the various population groups; which Government Ministers he met on his visit; and what were the respective subjects of discussion in each case.
§ Mr. RifkindYes. During my visit I met leading business personalities, opposition politicians and leaders of the black community. I also met the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Co-operation and Development, Constitutional Affairs, and Industry, Commerce and Tourism. Bilateral and regional issues were discussed.
Mr. NicholasWinterton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the proposed rugby tour of South Africa.
§ Mr. WhitneyI understand that a decision on a possible rugby tour by England will not be taken for some months. The Rugby Football Union is, however, well aware that such a tour would be contrary to the spirit of the Commonwealth statement on apartheid in sport. The Prime Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend will be reaffirming our commitment to the Commonwealth statement at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in New Delhi.