HC Deb 03 April 1958 vol 585 cc176-7W
6. Mr. Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make representations to the Government of the Union of South Africa to permit African citizens of the High Commission Territories to extend their visits to neighbouring towns in the Union after 3 p.m.

Mr. Alport

Africans born in the High Commission Territories, who visit urban areas in the Union, are required by the law of the Union of South Africa to obtain permission from the Union authorities. The latter have, however, made administrative arrangements for Basuto to visit border towns in the Orange Free State for limited periods for trading, entraining or seeking professional assistance, without obtaining such permission. For Basuto men visiting Ficksburg without such permission, this period is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It therefore already represents a relaxation of Union law in favour of the Basuto.