§ 20. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any information as to the result of the representations made by the Indian Government to the South African Government regarding the Trading and Occupation of Land Restriction Bill and the restrictions this imposes on Indian nationals; and whether any modification has been accepted by the South African Government?
§ Mr. AmeryI understand that the Bill referred to passed into law on 28th April on the lines originally proposed. It is a temporary Measure, for three years only, and the Union Government announced in connection with it their intention to set up immediately a commission, under a high judicial authority, on which Indians would be invited to serve, to inquire into matters affecting the Indian community in Natal and make recommendations. The persons described by the hon. Member as Indian nationals are for the most part South African nationals of Indian origin.
§ Mr. SorensenAre the Indian Government satisfied with the situation; is this a committee on which certain Indians may sit, and are these Indians Indian nationals or Indian citizens of South Africa?