48. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what information the High Commissioner in South Africa has obtained regarding the nature of the charges on which Miss Stanton has been detained; and whether Miss Stanton is now expected to be released on bail.
§ 49. Mr. Mendelsonasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what charges have been brought against Miss Stanton and Dr. Letele, who are under arrest in South Africa; and what further steps have been taken by the High Commissioner to ascertain whether any citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies or British protected persons were among those who have been arrested.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a further statement on the position of the British protected persons now held in prison in South Africa; and, in particular, what charges have been brought against them.
§ Mr. AlportIn general, I would refer hon. Members to the statement that I made yesterday. No later information about Miss Stanton or Dr. Letele has been received from South Africa. As the House has been informed, the High Commissioner has been instructed to do all in his power to help these people.
As regards bail, the High Commissioner was assured by the Union Prime Minister before the recent attack on him that persons charged would be brought before the ordinary courts, where they could apply for bail.