HC Deb 19 April 1978 vol 948 c441
41. Mr. Canavan

asked the Lord Advocate, further to his reply of 15th March, whether he will now make a statement about the inquiries into the activities of the South African Immigration Organisation (Pty) Limited of 104 West George Street, Glasgow.

The Lord Advocate (Mr. Ronald King Murray)

Inquiries into this matter are still proceeding.

Mr. Canavan

Why is there such a long delay in dealing with this case? Is it not absolutely clear from the ministerial reply that I have had from the Department of Employment and which I have forwarded to my right hon. and learned Friend that these supporters of apartheid are not licensed under the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and are therefore breaking the law and should be prosecuted for breaking the law?

The Lord Advocate

As my hon. Friend is well aware, the vital matter is whether they require a licence. This requires certain lines of inquiry, not only in this country but in South Africa, and necessarily these are taking a little time.