asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present position in relation to the importation of South African produce into this country; if, as a result of his Department's monitoring of the situation, he has satisfied himself that the ban on South African produce is being fully adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South African Imports.
3.
The Government order introducing a prohibition, except under licence, on the importation of South African fruit and vegetables continues to operate. The Minister for Agriculture and Food has not issued any import licences under this order since 1 January 1987 and he is not aware of any breaches of the order.
Would the Minister consider extending the order referred to to South African coal, the importation of which amounted to 2.2 million tonnes in 1985? I am sure the Minister is aware of the conditions under which South African miners work, that 600 are killed per annum and that they are housed in single sex living quarters separate from their families. In view of this, will the Minister consider expanding the regulations to include South African coal and, because of the difficulty for the consumer in identifying such coal, will he consider introducing regulations——
Brevity, please.
——to make this produce clearly identifiable?
There is a great problem in identifying South African coal.
It is black and white.
The miners are all black.
I wish to express my abhorrence of apartheid in all its expressions. Its continuance can only further the degree of instability that already exists. We will do everything practicable in this respect but I do not believe in empty gestures. We will continue the order in relation to fruit and vegetables but the other matter is not really practicable.
Can the Minister not give us an undertaking, in view of his expressed opinion, that he will introduce regulations which will make the importation of South African coal illegal?
The Deputy has already asked that question and the Minister has replied.
I do not believe in making prohibitions unless they can be effective.