HC Deb 18 May 1990 vol 172 cc567-8W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Prime Minister what trade sanctions are currently operating between the United Kingdom and South Africa.

The Prime Minister

A list of internationally agreed trade measures which are currently operating between the United Kingdom and South Africa is as follows:

  • UN Measures
    1. The British Government comply fully with the mandatory UN arms embargo (United Kingdom Security Council resolution 418 of 1977) which forbids the provision to South Africa of arms, related material, equipment and technical knowledge needed for their manufacture. The United Kingdom also implements the voluntary United Kingdom Security Council resolution 519 of 1986 which clarifies, but does not extend, the embargo.
    2. The United Kingdom also implements the voluntary United Kingdom Security Council resolution 558 of 1984 which covers the import from South Africa of arms, ammunition and military vehicles.
  • EC Measures (September 1985)
    1. (i) A rigorously controlled embargo on export of arms and paramilitary equipment to South Africa.
    2. (ii) A rigorously controlled embargo of import of arms and paramilitary equipment from South Africa.
    3. (iii) Cessation of oil exports to South Africa.
    4. (iv) Cessation of exports of sensitive equipment destined for the police and armed forces of South Africa.
    5. (v) Prohibition of all new collaboration in the nuclear sector.
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  • Commonwealth Measures (October 1985)
    1. (i) Strict enforcement of the mandatory arms embargo against South Africa.
    2. (ii) Agreed upon and commended to other Governments the adoption of the following economic measures against South Africa:
      1. (A) A ban on all Government loans to the Government of South Africa and their agencies.
      2. (B) A readiness to take unilaterally what action may be possible to preclude imports of krugerrands.
      3. (C) No Government funding for trade missions to South Africa or for participation in exhibitions and trade fairs in South Africa.
      4. (D) A ban on the sale and export of computer equipment capable of use by South African military forces, police or security forces.
      5. (E) A ban on new contracts for the sale and export of nuclear goods, materials and technology to South Africa.
      6. (F) A ban on the sale and export of oil to South Africa.
      7. (G) A strict and rigorously controlled embargo on imports of arms, ammunition, military vehicles and paramilitary equipment from South Africa.

Commonwealth Measures (August 1986)

Agreement to implement any EC decision to ban the import of coal, iron and steel and of gold coins from South Africa. EC Measures (September 1986)

  1. (i) A ban on imports of certain South African iron and steel.
  2. (ii) A ban on the import of certain South African gold coins.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Prime Minister if she will make representations to President De Klerk calling for the reprieve of the Upington 14 and the abolition of the common purpose law: and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

The verdict on the Upington 14 is subject to an appeal and there is, in any case, a moratorium on all executions in South Africa while the application of the death penalty is reviewed. The doctrine of common purpose in South Africa is a matter of common law, not statute legislation.