HL Deb 23 March 1960 vol 222 cc145-6

2.45 p.m.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, I beg to ask the noble Earl the Leader of the House, by Private Notice, when he expects to receive a report from the Union concerning the casualties in the disorders of the last few days, and also whether he would find it possible to give to this House, in the form of a White Paper, a clear statement of the pass laws, both in the Union and in the Colonies and Federation, which have given rise to these difficulties.

THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)

My Lords, as to the first question, the information I have requested from the High Commissioner is whether there were any citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies involved in the riots and whether any of them were casualties. I have not yet received that information, but when I do I will, of course, acquaint the House with it. On the second point, any regulations there may be in the Union are not a matter for me, and therefore I do not think it is appropriate to give a White Paper on that matter. But, of course, it is open to the noble Viscount, or anybody else interested in arrangements in the colonial territories, to put down a Question which we should answer if necessary.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, is it a fact that when the noble Earl refers to British subjects he includes the residents of the Protectorates?

THE EARL OF HOME

Of course. The British subjects who might have been involved—although I have no evidence at all that they were—would be people from Basutoland; but I have no evidence that there were any involved at all.

VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGH

My Lords, could I ask if, since the questions and answers yesterday in another place, the Government have given any further consideration as to whether they might request if they might be able to help in any difficulties for the families of those who have been killed or wounded?

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, I have no reason to suppose that any citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies have been involved, but I should like to get a statement and information from the High Commissioner before I answer any further supplementaries on that subject.