Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South African Imports.
- South African fruit and vegetable imports 2 speeches
The Minister said the prohibition on South African fruit and vegetables remains in force, with no licences issued since January 1987 and no known breaches.
Emmet Stagg, Brian Lenihan Snr.
- Extending the ban to South African coal 10 speeches
Stagg urged the Government to prohibit South African coal imports and require clear identification, citing miners’ working and living conditions. Lenihan condemned apartheid but said a coal prohibition would not be practicable or effective; the existing fruit and vegetable order would continue.
Emmet Stagg, Seán Treacy, Brian Lenihan Snr., Ruairí Quinn
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.
Comment on this
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.
Comment on this
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——
Comment on this
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.
Comment on this
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?