HC Deb 27 July 1988 vol 138 c301W
Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give details on the representations he or his Department have received relating to Her Majesty's Government's action and policy towards The Promotion of Orderly Internal Politics Bill in South Africa.

Mrs. Chalker

My right hon. and learned Friend met a delegation of South African Church leaders on 23 May. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Home Department met representatives of the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference on 13 April and I met British charitable organisations active in South Africa on 21 April. Officials received a delegation from the British Council of Churches on 18 May. In addition we have received letters from MPs, charities, political organisations, Churches, trades unions and members of the public.

Mr. Allen McKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take in the light of the South African Government's proposed legislation restricting the activities and funding of peaceful opposition groups in South Africa; and if he will make it his policy to support the EEC special programme for the victims of apartheid.

Mrs. Chalker

We support wholeheartedly the European Community's special programme for the victims of apartheid and are committed to its future success. As a consequence of our repeated representations, both sbilaterally and jointly with our European partners, the South African Government are in no doubt as to our opposition to the draft "Promotion of Orderly Internal Politics" Bill.