59. Mr. CREECH JONESasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to a threat by a Basuto chief to members of his tribe who had joined in a strike in the Johannesburg mines that they would suffer punishments in addition to those already inflicted by the court on their return to Basutoland; and whether the right to inflict such punishment is recognised by His Majesty's Government?
Mr. M. MacDONALDI have received a report from the High Commissioner on this matter, which I understand arose out of certain disturbances committed by Basuto labourers in the Johannesburg mines. It has been pointed out to the Paramount Chief of Basutoland that it would not be proper that offenders who have been convicted in the Johannesburg courts should be subjected to further punishment in the native courts, and he has given an assurance that he has no intention of punishing anyone twice for the same offence.
Mr. CREECH JONESHas the right hon. Gentleman any information that certain of these chiefs are financially interested in recruiting native labour for the mines?