§ 63. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain restaurants in Edinburgh are refusing admission to Asiatic and African residents, not because of any complaints against their conduct, which is admitted to be unexceptionable, but on account of their racial origin; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to remove this form of discrimination against a section of His Majesty's subjects?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)My attention has been called to the fact that the managers of certain places of entertainment in Edinburgh have taken the unusual step of refusing admission on racial grounds. However much I may regret the fact, I am not aware that I have any power to intervene in the matter, and I am not satisfied that legislation on the lines suggested would be practicable.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALADoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the very unpleasant effects that would ensue if in India and elsewhere people took retaliatory measures against white citizens in those countries; and with that in mind will he not at least use his powers and influence to persuade decent citizens of Edinburgh to boycott those restaurants and public places until they withdraw these obnoxious measures?
§ Mr. WELLOCKCould not the right hon. Gentleman remind the people concerned that a considerable number of 1371 Scottish students have obtained remunerative positions in the Indian Civil Service?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESWill not the right hon. Gentleman exercise the power, which I take it he has, of refusing a licence to these restaurants which do not allow these people to go there? Has he not that power already, without further legislalation?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no powers to intervene in this matter. The attention which has been drawn to this question will, no doubt, have an influence with those who are concerned.
§ Mr. HAYESIn the case of those restaurants which are licensed, will the police bring to the notice of the licensing authorities any complaints that may be made on this score?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat would be a matter for the licensing bench.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs there any objection to the right hon. Gentleman himself communicating to the local authorities in Edinburgh that this is a very unworthy practice on the part of certain British citizens?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt does not appear to me to be a matter for the local authorities. It is a matter for decision on the part of the private enterprise which is concerned.
§ Mr. LANSBURYIf these are licensed premises, is it not a fact that the local authority who license these premises might be communicated with by the right hon. Gentleman in order to point out to them the grave injustice to our Indian fellow subjects?
§ Mr. SKELTONMay I ask whether it would not be gravely improper for the Secretary of State for Scotland to try to interfere with the decision of licensing authorities?
§ Miss LAWRENCEMay I ask whether licensed victuallers have a right to refuse refreshments to any members of the general public?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI understood that these were not licensed victuallers.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have allowed a large number of supplementary questions, and I think another question ought to be put down on this particular point.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not a fact that citizens of the Empire from Asia and Africa are admitted as students to the University of Edinburgh and all other universities, and is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has the power, if he cares to exercise it, to refuse licences to these restaurants which will not allow these people to come in?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman has no power to give or to refuse those licences.