§ 9. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what facilities are afforded by the Union of South Africa Government to the Nyasaland Labour Representative and Northern Rhodesia Labour 1371 Officer for visiting farms where British-protected persons of Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia are sent by the Union Government after convicting them of pass laws offences.
§ Mr. AlportThe Nyasaland Labour Representative and Northern Rhodesia Labour Officer may at any time by arrangement accompany officials of the Union Department of Bantu Administration and Development on visits to the farms in question.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister aware of the shocking case of John Musa, a Nyasa herbalist of Johannesburg, who was picked up by the infamous "ghost squad" in Alexandra Township last October and taken to the farm of P. L. Potgeiter near Heidelburg? Is he aware that I have twelve sworn affidavits admitting beatings and punishments on this farm by this gentleman? Will the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that he will back to the hilt any action to help the Nyasaland Labour Officer at Johannesburg to do his job efficiently?
§ Mr. AlportI know that the Federation representative in the Union is closely in touch with this problem. I would remind the lion. Gentleman that the Union Minister for Bantu Administration and Development has announced the temporary suspension of the scheme and has appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate the scheme.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister aware that this same Bantu Affairs Minister has admitted these charges, and the beatings which have been going on on this farm, and that Mr. Potgeiter was put off the list of African farmers who were allowed to take South African convict labour?