I want to pursue the issue of sanctions against South Africa. Am I correct in saying that Government policy is to get agreement of all the EC countries for a total ban on trade with South Africa? Is the Taoiseach pursuing within the EC the possibility of a total ban on the export of technological equipment, of the type to which I have referred, to South Africa so that the Government could then operate under the EC ban on technological exports?

I could not give the Deputy a definite answer to that specific question about a total ban on technological equipment but I can get the information for the Deputy as to what is the state of play in that regard. The Deputy is right in assuming that the Government's approach is that multilateral pressure is far more effective than pressure by one State.

Is the Taoiseach——

I am anxious to get on to another question. I have given a lot of latitude to Deputies on this question. We cannot remain unduly long on any one question.

I understood that our policy was for a total ban on trade with South Africa but we did not want to do so on a unilateral basis. Is that correct? Will we be pursuing within the EC a total ban on trade with South Africa?

The Deputy misunderstood what I said. What I said was that I am not sure exactly what status that proposal has in EPC or in the Community at present but I will let the Deputy know.

We are in favour of the ban on trade?

Yes.