§ Mr. Proctorasked the Prime Minister if she will estimate the number of British jobs dependent upon trade with the Republic of South Africa; what proposals she 471W hopes to put to the South African Prime Minister during her meeting with him on 2 June with regard to improving Anglo-South African trade; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his question on 15 July 1983 at column 451 about the numbers of British jobs involved in trade with South Africa. We value our trade with South Africa as with all countries. I normally take the opportunity to raise trade matters in my meetings with foreign leaders and expect to do so on this occasion.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Prime Minister if she will estimate the level of British investment in the South African economy in each of the last five years.
§ The Prime MinisterInformation on the levels of United Kingdom direct investment in South Africa is derived from a triennial inquiry. According to the results of the latest inquiry the book value of United Kingdom direct investment in South Africa, including oil, banking and insurance, was £2,826 million at the end of 1981. The corresponding figure for the end of 1978 which did not include insurance, was £1,770 million. Information on portfolio investment, by country, is not available.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Prime Minister (1) if she will discuss the issue of international terrorism with the South African Prime Minister during her meeting with him on 2 June; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what matters she hopes to discuss with the Prime Minister of the Republic of South Africa during his official visit to the United Kingdom on 2 June; and if she will make a statement;
(3) what developments she hopes to achieve in the areas of (a) Namibian independence and (b) Anglo-South African relations as a result of her meeting with the South African Prime Minister on 2 June; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI expect my discussions with Mr. Botha to cover a number of subjects including our bilateral relations and regional issues including Namibia, South Africa's relations with its neighbours, and the need for peaceful change in South Africa itself. I naturally hope that my discussions will contribute to progress on these issues.