§ 33. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether, in view of the fact that the Mayor of Vereeniging has now opened a fund in aid of the dependants of those killed at Sharpeville, including British protected persons, he will make a contribution to this fund.
§ Mr. R. ThompsonThe High Commissioner has been asked to ascertain and report whether any of the dependants of Basuto who were killed are citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies and are suffering hardship and, if they are, to consider whether they could appropriately be helped through the Basutoland Government.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that the Mayor of Vereeniging showed great courage in opening this fund and that he hoped that it would aid British protected persons if any were found to have been injured? Will the Government show equal courage by supporting the Mayor with a contribution to this fund?
§ Mr. ThompsonThe point is that if we can help any of our own people's dependants who have been put in distress we should try to do it on the basis that we help them and not give help in an indiscriminate way.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Her Majesty's Government have helped funds in various countries in which British protected persons were not involved and will he not help this fund in the same way?
§ Mr. ThompsonI think that the proposal I have made is preferable in this case, because it would direct any assistance that is forthcoming to the proper kind of recipient.