§ 88. Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many British protected persons from Basutoland or Bechuanaland were killed or injured in the course of the shootings at Sharpeville in March, 1960; and what steps are being taken to secure compensation for them, in view of the decision of the South African Government to seek legislative indemnity against claims for damages resulting from those shootings.
§ Mr. SandysFive Basuto died from wounds received at Sharpeville and seventeen were injured. The Basutoland Government arranged for counsel to represent those of the injured and the dependants of those killed who had not made their own arrangements to be so78W represented. The counsel engaged by the Basutoland Government have given notice of claims for compensation totalling £9,650 against the South African Minister of Justice. I do not think it would be wise for me to prejudge the situation which would be created if legislation of the kind envisaged in the Question is passed.