asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will introduce a unilateral ban on the export of computers to South Africa having regard to the continued abuse of human rights in that country by the maintenance of the system of apartheid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Export of Computers. Ban on Exports to South Africa.
43.
I do not intend to introduce a unilateral ban on the exports of computers to the Republic of South Africa. Exports of computers to that country are allowed only in accordance with a licence issued by me under the Control of Exports Act 1983, and related orders.
Such licences are issued for only three months at a time and require, in accordance with the spirit of the relevant United Nations Security Council Mandatory Resolution, an undertaking from the consignee that the goods will not be used for military or police purposes. The three month duration of the licence is to allow for continuous monitoring of the situation.