§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the South African Government about their detention of two British subjects without trial; on how many occasions and with what results; and what further steps he intends to take.
§ Mr. FoleyI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to Mr. Philip Golding and Mr. J. R. Schlapobersky, both detained in South Africa under the Terrorism Act. Following the representations which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary reported to the House on 9th June, the South African authorities made arrangements for the Consul to see Mr. Golding on 11th June. The Vice-Consul is seeing Mr. Golding again today and his report is awaited. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has also had an opportunity of speaking directly to the South African Foreign Minister, who is aware of the serious view taken in this322W country whenever British subjects are detained without specific charges being made. I am keeping this case constantly in view.
No representations have been made to the South African Government about Mr. Schlapobersky since we have been given to understand that he holds South African nationality. Accordingly, although he is also a British subject, we have no formal right to provide protection to him in South Africa.