§ 4. Mr. Reynoldsasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty on what charge a rating from H.M.S. "Leopard" was sentenced to a whipping by a Capetown court on 29th September, 1959; what other punishment was imposed; and what representations he has made to the Government of South Africa in regard to this case.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe rating concerned was charged with contravening the Immorality Act of South Africa with a coloured woman on 17th September, 1959. No punishment other than six strokes of the cane was imposed, and this was suspended for two years. No representations have been made to the Government of South Africa in regard to this case.
§ Mr. ReynoldsAs there is some concern at the fact that naval ratings in South Africa should be sentenced to whipping for matters which are not considered crimes in this country, will the Civil Lord make representations to the South African Government about this case, or ask his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to mention the question when he later visits Africa?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI do not think that I can add anything to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said yesterday about his visit. Perhaps I could commend to the hon. Member the 1155 third leader of The Times. If he reads that he may have less questions of this sort to ask.