§ 39. Mr. Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, what representations have been made to the Government of the Union of South Africa regarding the action of the police in threatening to arrest Desmond Bishop, a native of British Guiana serving in the Royal Air Force, and in returning him to his ship in a police car because he was walking hand-in-hand with an English girl in Durban.
§ Mr. AlportNone. Sir.
§ Mr. BrockwayDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that our Government should pay more regard to the rights of our citizens in South Africa? This boy was merely walking hand-in-hand with a girl, who was not a "pick-up" but an old friend of his. He was held up by the police, bundled into a police car and returned to his ship. Does not the hon. Gentleman think we should make some representations when human rights are outraged in that way?
§ Mr. AlportThe aircraftman in question was not arrested or charged as his action was not illegal in accordance with South African law. In those circumstances, there was no occasion for representations to be made. The hon. Member is as well aware as I am that there are strong prejudices in these matters in South Africa. I am sure he would agree that it would be most unfortunate if any British Service man were involved in any incidents there in those circumstances.