HC Deb 28 July 1960 vol 627 c1835
4. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many United Kingdom or British protected doctors were originally detained in the Union of South Africa under emergency regulations; and whether Dr. Letele is still under detention.

Mr. R. Thompson

So far as I am aware, the only doctor who has been detained and who is a United Kingdom citizen or British protected person is Dr. Letele. Dr. Letele was released on 19th July. The Union Government require him to return to Basutoland, subject to a month's grace in which to arrange his private affairs in the Union.

Mr. Pavitt

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any of the doctors who were detained were detained because of their opposition to the new regulation which comes into force on 1st September whereby white and non-white blood to be used for transfusions is to be segregated? Is this pure blood cult, which was so rife in Nazi-Germany, consistent with the multi-racial basis of the Commonwealth?

Mr. Thompson

I am aware of only one doctor who has been detained—Dr. Letele—and I have just told the hon. Gentleman what the situation is in that case.