HC Deb 20 May 1968 vol 765 cc30-1
38. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of the recent official visit to his Department of Major-General Hendrik J. van den Bergh, head of the South African security police.

Mr. Mulley

General van den Bergh did not call at the Foreign Office during his recent visit to London.

Mr. Hooley

In that case, will my right hon. Friend be kind enough to say why permission was given for the head of the South African Gestapo to visit this country at all?

Mr. Mulley

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department explained last week that Major-General van den Bergh came as a visitor and stayed with the South African Ambassador. That seems to me a proper ground on which to admit him.

Mr. Sharpies

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain prosecutions resulting in very long sentences in British courts could not have taken place without the co-operation of the South African police?

Mr. Mulley

That is not within my knowledge, but I have no doubt that their co-operation is of value.