Refugees from South Africa

Oral Answers to Questions — Swaziland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 April 1964.

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Photo of Mr Stephen Swingler Mr Stephen Swingler , Newcastle-under-Lyme 12:00, 28 April 1964

asked the Secretary of State for the Commonwealth and the Colonies how many refugees from South Africa are now in Swaziland; and what action is being taken by the Government to enable them to find jobs and homes.

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

43, excluding dependents. 17 have obtained employment. One is attending school.

Photo of Mr Stephen Swingler Mr Stephen Swingler , Newcastle-under-Lyme

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that all possible action is taken at the moment to ensure that all those who are placed in this very difficult position are given the opportunity either to seek political asylum in the United Kingdom, or, if they wish to stay in Swaziland, to get accommodation and employment?

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

Twenty-six of these refugees have already been granted asylum and 17 applications are still under consideration, mainly because the people concerned have not yet attended for interviews. As for employment and accommodation, I really think that where there is in the territory unemployment and a shortage of houses, the local Swazi inhabitants must be given priority over people who come into their territory.

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.