HC Deb 22 March 1910 vol 15 cc927-8
Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention had been called to the statement of Parsee Rustomjee, sentenced to a second term of six months' imprisonment on the 11th August, 1909, for recrossing the border after being deported, and who complained of the treatment he received at the Diepkloof prison; whether the treatment complained of was that always given to offenders under the Registration Law; if so, would representations be made to the Transvaal Government, that the offences under the Act should be considered as political offences, and that those convicted should be considered as first-class misdemeanants, and should not be subjected to rigorous hard labour treatment?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)

We have been in correspondence with the Transvaal Government, but as the reply is very lengthy it will be most convenient to the House to circulate it with the votes. —[See Written Answers this date.]

Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

Have the Government any intention of laying papers?

Colonel SEELY

Does my hon. Friend mean in this particular case or on the general question?

Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

All correspondence?

Colonel SEELY

I will consider that. I do not know that anything fresh has occurred in the last few months, but I will consider it. and perhaps my hon. Friend will ask a question on it.