HC Deb 26 March 1912 vol 36 cc205-6
Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that legal action has been taken by the Government of the Union of South Africa against Ahmed Moosa Bhyat, a British-Indian trader of the Transvaal, under the Townships Amendment Acts of 1908 and 1909 of that province, to deprive him of the virtual ownership of certain freehold property situate in the Township of Boksbury, purchased by him and registered in the name of Lewis Walter Ritch, in respect of which no compensation will be granted; and, if so, what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to procure relief?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

A case is pending on this matter in the South African Courts, and I must await its result before I can answer questions in relation to it.

Mr. O'GRADY

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever considered the effect of this upon our fellow-subjects in South Africa?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not like to express an opinion on the law in relation to a case which is now being considered.