§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations how many persons have been arrested in connection with the illegal recruitment of bushmen in Bechuanaland for farm labour in South-West Africa; what penalties were imposed; what progress has been made in the study of the administrative and anthropological problems of the bushmen; and what consideration is being given to the establishment of a reserve for the bushmen.
§ Mr. AlportSince January, 1958, five persons have been arrested in connection with attempted illegal recruitment of bushmen in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Three of them were convicted and fined. In the other two cases, the available evidence was considered insufficient to support a prosecution for attempted illegal recruitment.
Since early this year a district officer, who is also a trained anthropologist, has been engaged in an intensive study of the administrative and anthropological problems of the bushmen. He is assisted by his wife, who has some anthropological training. Until the report of the survey is available, it is not possible to reach a decision regarding the establishment of a reserve.