South Africa (Hansard, 12 November 1987)

§ Mr. Steel
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the light of the United States State Department's report submitted to the United States Congress on 1 April naming Britain as one of seven countries involved in supplying arms to South Africa, he will make a statement on British compliance with the arms embargo against South Africa.

§ Mrs. Chalker
Our record on compliance with the United Nations arms embargo is good. As we understand the report made clear, we diligently enforce the arms embargo. This is demonstrated by the record of successful action in recent years against British companies who have been in breach of the United Kingdom legislation through which the embargo is implemented. In several cases, prison sentences as well as fines have resulted.

§ Mr. Steel
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to prevent the subsidiaries of British companies operating in South Africa and Namibia from violating the arms embargo imposed against South Africa by the United Nations.

§ Mrs. Chalker
We will initiate investigations into allegations against companies within the United Kingdom's jurisdiction of violations of United Kingdom law implementing the arms embargo.
243W

§ Mr. Soley
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make representations to the South African Government to prevent the execution of Mojalefa Sefatna, Reid Mokoena, Oupa Diniso, Duma Khumalo, Thearas Ramashamola and Francis Mokhesi.

§ Mrs. Chalker
The appeals of the so-called "Sharpeville Six" were heard on 2 and 3 November. The court reserved judgment. It would be inappropriate for us to make representations until the outcome of the appeal process is known.

§ Mr. Steel
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to make illegal the export of safety and security equipment to key points designated by the National Keypoints Act in South Africa.

§ Mr. Alan Clark
I have been asked to reply.
No.