HC Deb 10 February 1961 vol 634 cc106-7W
Mr. Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what reply the High Commissioner has received from the South African Government about the detention of Mr. Harry Nkumbula whilst in transit to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Sandys:

The Union Government have informed our High Commissioner:

  1. (a) that Mr. Nkumbula arrived at Jan Smuts Airport near Johannesburg on 19th January in transit for Accra,
  2. (b) that he was booked to leave by another aircraft later the same day,
  3. (c) that an Immigration Officer suggested to him that as a transit passenger he should not leave the airport, but that he did so, and missed his onward flight,
  4. (d) that a new booking was then arranged on a flight leaving next day, and that South African officials thereupon arranged to lodge Mr. Nkumbula overnight at a nearby police station.