HC Deb 16 March 1961 vol 636 cc1732-3
22. Mr. Marquand

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what requests he has received from the eight Nyasas recently imprisoned in South Africa for repatriation to Nyasaland; what information he has received from the Government of Nyasaland about this matter; and what action he intends to take to ensure that these men receive the appropriate protection.

Mr. H. Fraser

Neither I nor the Governor has received any request direct from the persons concerned. The representation of the interests of persons from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is in any event the responsibility of the Federal Government through the Federal High Commissioner in the Union.

Mr. Marquand

If the hon. Gentleman has not seen copies, will he accept it from me that the affidavits made by these eight Nyasas constitute a terrible record of arbitrary arrest and shocking cruelty to prisoners? May I send him a copy and will he undertake to consider and discuss with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what action has been taken to repatriate these men, every one of whom has expressed a desire to go back to his own country of Nyasaland?

Mr. Fraser

Yes, Sir.

Mrs. White

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that many of us in this House are deeply disturbed at the position of British subjects in the Union of South Africa and their subjection to arbitrary arrest? While the responsibility for this territory does not lie with him, can he assure us that adequate arrangements are made to safeguard the position of people from other territories who may be in South Africa and subject to this form of arbitrary arrest?

Mr. Fraser

Until 31st May this is a matter for the Commonwealth Relations Office and such questions should be addressed to that Department.