§ 18. Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what talks he proposes to hold on the question of developments in South Africa.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe British Government are in frequent touch with the South African Government and all the major parties in South Africa.
We shall continue to encourage a speedy end to apartheid and a peaceful transition to a democratic, non-racial and prosperous South Africa.
25. Mr. Robert G. HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of reform in South Africa.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe international community is increasingly recognising that the continued application of sanctions will not help the peaceful abolition of apartheid. South Africa's political transformation needs urgently to be underpinned by economic growth. With the political process now irreversible, a point reinforced by the tabling of legislation yesterday, economic sanctions should be lifted as soon as possible..