§ 10. Mr. George Craddockasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he takes to satisfy himself regarding the conditions under which Africans are imprisoned in the Union of South Africa before authorising the transference of African prisoners from Northern Rhodesia to South Africa.
§ Mr. LytteltonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 16th June to Questions put by the hon. Members for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) and Deptford (Sir L. Plummer).
§ Mr. CraddockWould the right hon. Gentleman satisfy himself about South African prisons before giving permission for more prisoners to be sent there? Recently, he promised that no prisoners should be transferred without his permission.
§ Mr. LytteltonI repeat that promise. No prisoners will be transferred without reference being made to me. Furthermore, the object of this latitude, if that is the right word, is only in the interests of the prisoners.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingWill the right hon. Gentleman or anybody in the Colonial Office exercise supervision over these prisoners when they get to South Africa?
§ Mr. LytteltonNo, that is outside the duties of the Colonial Office. Its responsibility and mine is to see that when the transfer takes place there is good reason for it in the interest of the prisoner.