HC Deb 16 April 1931 vol 251 cc332-3
12. Miss WILKINSON

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the refusal of certain English hotels to accept coloured guests even when they have space at liberty; and whether, since this is causing indignation among coloured peoples in the Empire, he will consider the issuing of regulations making it an offence under the Licensing Laws for proprietors of licensed hotel premises in Britain to refuse to let rooms to coloured people?

Mr. CLYNES

I have no power to issue any such regulations.

Miss WILKINSON

Is it not the case that proprietors of licensed premises are bound to give food and shelter to anyone demanding it?

Mr. CLYNES

On that point, I would like to have had notice. But probably the attention which has now been drawn to this matter may have some effect on the particular houses concerned.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Has the right hon. Gentleman no power in regard to hotels recommended for international conferences, and could not a black list be kept of those hotels, and delegates recommended not to use them?

Mr. CLYNES

I can only say, without further notice, that I have no power to issue the instructions referred to in the question.

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