HC Deb 08 February 1971 vol 811 cc34-5W
Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the negotiations between British and South African authorities concerning the eligibility of the Reverend Colin Davison, a British citizen, to remain as a resident in South Africa.

Mr. Kershaw

The question of residence of foreign nationals in any State is entirely within the authority of that State. There can therefore be no basis for negotiations about the continued residence in South Africa of the Reverend Colin Davison, whom the South African Government intend to deport. Her Majesty's Ambassador in Pretoria has, however, been in touch with the South African Government about Mr. Davison's affairs with a view to helping him as far as possible.

Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the South African Government to allow the Reverend Colin Davison's wife, a British subject, who is at present on a visit to England, to rejoin him and their three children in Johannesburg before his deportation.

Mr. Kershaw

The South African Government told Her Majesty's Embassy in Capetown that there would be no obstacle to Mrs. Davison's return to South Africa to help her husband settle up their affairs. She left London for Johannesburg on 6th February.

Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the South African Government on behalf of the Reverend Colin Davison, an Anglican priest living and working in Johannesburg, on whom a deportation order has been served; and what reply he has received.

Mr. Kershaw

The question of residence of foreign nationals in any State is entirely within the authority of that State. There is therefore no basis for negotiations about the continued residence in South Africa of the Reverend Colin Davison. Her Majesty's Ambassador in Pretoria has however been in touch with the South African Government about Mr. Davison's affairs, with a view to helping him as far as possible.