HC Deb 02 May 1960 vol 622 cc697-9
Mr. Marquand

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what information he has received since 28th April from the South African Government about their decision to deport Miss Stanton and what further action he proposes to take.

The Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)

The South African Government have confirmed that they intend to release Miss Stanton and deport her. The United Kingdom High Commissioner will continue to assist her in any way he can.

Mr. Marquand

Is the hon. Member aware that on Thursday last the Prime Minister told us that an offer had been made to Miss Stanton that she could return home if she wished, and that he went on to say: She took time to consider it"— that is, the proposal— and arrangements were made that she should have the opportunity of discussing it with her lawyer, with her brother and with the assistant warden of the Tumelong Mission. She has now decided not to accept release on these conditions. We are, therefore, continuing our efforts to press that she should be either released unconditionally or charged"?—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 28th April, 1960; Vol. 622, c. 385.] Is it not a fact that Miss Stanton has neither been released unconditionally nor charged with any offence whatsoever, but deported as if she had committed a crime? What do the Government intend to do about it? Will they make the strongest possible protest against this treatment of a United Kingdom and Commonwealth citizen in this highly arbitrary manner?

Mr. Alport

From the beginning of this case my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I have made it clear that our representations to the Union Government related to the desirability either of unconditionally releasing this lady or charging her. It is quite true that the South African Government have informed us, through the Minister of External Affairs, who is in the United Kingdom, that they intend to deport her.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in accordance with the undertaking he gave to the House last week, has had a discussion with the Minister of External Affairs about this case, and I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that he made the position of the United Kingdom Government quite clear on that occasion.

Mr. Marquand

Does that mean that the Prime Minister indicated to the Minister of External Affairs for the Union of South Africa that we regard this action as flouting public opinion in Great Britain, and also flouting the House of Commons?

Mr. Alport

It is quite clear from the exchanges which have taken place in this House over a long period that the House feels very strongly about this matter, and that public opinion in this country takes the same view of this case. There is, therefore, no doubt that the Union Government are in full possession of our views on the matter. In accordance with the undertaking he gave to the House, my right hon. Friend has taken the opportunity of discussing this question with the Minister of External Affairs, and has made our view quite clear.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my hon. Friend aware that from information received from South Africa there is no doubt that Miss Stanton wanted to make her life there, and considered that her life's work lay there in future? Is he also aware that her brother lives there at present, which is an additional reason for her wanting to stay there, and that she is, therefore, being deported against her will? Will he say whether the Union Government have power to deport a British subject from South Africa without her being charged with a crime?

Mr. Alport

As far as I am aware, the Union of South Africa, together with other Commonwealth countries—unlike the United Kingdom—has power to deport a British subject or a Commonwealth citizen if it decides to do so. I am fully aware of the strong wish that Miss Stanton has expressed on many occasions—which gave rise to her final decision about this problem—to remain within the Union of South Africa and continue the missionary work that she has done so devotedly for a long time in Africa.

Mr. Fletcher

Can the Minister say what reason the South African Government have given for this extraordinary decision to deport a lady of very distinguished reputation, both in South Africa and elsewhere—a decision so contrary to the views expressed by Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Alport

The Union Government have given no reason; nor, under the emergency regulations, are they bound to do so.

Mr. B. Harrison

Can my hon. Friend say what representations were made on previous occasions when deportation orders were made in respect of British subjects in Ghana and other countries?

Mr. Alport

Our approach to all these problems is on a similar basis—that we understand the legal position with regard to the powers of the Commonwealth Government concerned. It is quite true that there have been other occasions of this sort, although we are, naturally, always concerned when a Commonwealth Government, or any Government, act in an arbitrary fashion against a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

Mr. Dugdale

Has the Minister asked the South African Government specifically to give a reason why Miss Stanton is being deported? Have they refused to give Her Majesty's Government a reason?

Mr. Alport

As far as I am aware, right from the beginning a request was made for information with regard to the charges which might possibly be made against Miss Stanton, and no information has been forthcoming at any time.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is not this conflict between the ideas of justice of Her Majesty's Government and the Government of South Africa a question of such grave importance that it should be raised at the Commonwealth Conference, or at the very highest level elsewhere? Will the Minister take steps to see that it is?

Mr. Alport

As the hon. and learned Member is aware, I have already informed the House that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, on the occasion of the presence here of the Minister of External Affairs of the Union in connection with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, has had discussions with him on this subject in accordance with his undertaking.