§ 9. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the treatment of British immigrants in South Africa.
§ Mr. EnnalsI am not aware of any widespread problems concerning the treatment of British immigrants in South Africa, but where difficulties are encountered in individual cases our consular posts are always ready to offer assistance.
§ Mr. CanavanDoes my right hon. Friend recall that on 25th June I was informed in the House that the new First Secretary at the Foreign Office would be visiting South Africa to discuss the problems of British immigrant workers? Did the First Secretary have any comments to make on his return, particularly about the possibility of assisted passages or loans for stranded British workers and their families, to enable them to return here after being lured out to that racialist country by misleading advertisements and propaganda?
§ Mr. EnnalsI agree with my hon. Friend that some of the advertisements are very misleading about the conditions that people will find in South Africa. It is useful that my hon. Friend should have raised the subject.
The recently-appointed First Secretary (Labour) has been to the factories of the International Steel Corporation of South Africa in Newcastle and has discussed these matters with ISCSA and some of the British workers concerned. There are opportunities for repatriation by the South African Government. It has been suggested that my hon. Friend should discuss with the South African Department of Immigration the case of one of his constituents.