HC Deb 20 February 1985 vol 73 cc465-6W
12. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he intends to discuss with the United States Government, United States policy toward South Africa.

Mr. Rifkind

We regularly exchange views with the United States on Southern African issues. These may well be discussed during the visit my right hon. and learned Friend is paying to the United States at present.

14. Mr. Caborn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government will make further representations to the South African Government about the decision of the South African Cabinet to renege on its agent's undertaking to return the South African citizens charged with offences under customs legislation for trial.

18. Mr. Clay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has taken any action to seek to ensure the appearance in court of the four South African citizens charged with offences under customs and excise legislation further to the statement by the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) in the House on 23 October.

Mr. Rifkind

The South African Government are in no doubt about our views on this matter. We shall continue to remind the South Africans at every opportunity that we expect them to honour the undertaking they gave to the court to ensure the return of the four defendants to stand trial.

17. Mr. Jack Thompson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the continuing non-compliance of the South African authorities with their pledge to the British courts that the four South African citizens charged with offences under customs legislation would return to stand trial, has had any effect on United Kingdom bilateral relations with South Africa.

Mr. Rifkind

The failure of the South African Government to comply with their undertaking to return the four men inevitably remains an obstacle to better relations with South Africa.

22. Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of relations with South Africa.

Mr. Rifkind

We have full diplomatic relations with South Africa. These are necessary to protect our major interests there and to make known to the South African authorities our views on matters of concern to us.