HC Deb 12 December 1988 vol 143 cc395-6W
Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the South African ambassador; and what matters were discussed.

Mrs. Chalker

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State last met the South African ambassador on 23 September. They discussed a range of issues of common interest.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for the nuclear non-proliferation treaty of South Africa having the means and skills to build atomic weapons.

Mr. Waldegrave

We would be seriously concerned by the acquisition of nuclear weapons by a non-nuclear weapon state. We continue to urge South Africa to remove the element of ambiguity in its position by acceding to the non-proliferation treaty and placing all its nuclear facilities under full scope International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.