§ Mr. Brandon-Bravoasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will report on how British companies have complied with the European Community's code of conduct for companies with interests in South Africa during the 12-month period to 30 June 1985.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkBy 18 March 1985, 172 companies had submitted reports to the Department under the code of conduct. Copies of the reports, and of the Department's analysis and summary have, as in previous years, been placed in the Library of each House. These documents may also be inspected at the Department's library, at the British embassy in Pretoria, at the British consulate-general in Johannesburg, and at the British consulates in Cape Town and Durban.
Reports were received from the overwhelming majority of British companies with interests in South Africa. Of those companies whose interests are known or believed to warrant a full report under the code, only three declined to submit returns.
The reporting period was characterised by continued economic recession in which wage rates throughout the South African economy generally failed to keep pace with consumer price inflation. Against this background, the performance of British subsidiaries in increasing the provision of fringe benefits to their black employees seems particularly creditable. Once again, the returns also showed evidence of increased dealings with South Africa's emerging trade unions and a growing commitment to training, education and community projects.
The Government are grateful to companies for their continued efforts in reporting and will be urging them to comply fully with the revised code which is operational for the ensuing reporting period.