HC Deb 24 May 1922 vol 154 cc1196-7
54. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether regulations have been made segregating Indians in Uganda; and, if so, when these regulations were made and how are such regulations reconciled with the declaration of equal rights for European and Indian citizens within the British Crown Colonies made by the Con- ference of Prime Ministers; and will he state the intentions of the Government in this matter?

Mr. WOOD

With one exception, all town planning schemes in Uganda have been suspended pending a general decision of policy in regard to segregation. The exception is the town planning scheme for Kampala, which was prepared in the middle of 1919. A large part of the area reserved for Indians under the scheme has already been taken up by them, and I have not felt prepared in suspending other schemes, to attempt any reversion to thestatus quo in Kampala, as the arrangement there had the full approval of the local Indian community.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand that in Kampala alone steps have been taken to segregate the Indians, but in other cases these schemes are held up, until the Colonial Office come to a decision on the matter?

Mr. WOOD

The hon. and gallant Member is quite accurate in saying that all other schemes except that at Kampala have been held up. That in Kampala is proceeding in accordance with arrangements come to in 1919, which, as I have said, had the full assent of the local Indian community.