§ 63. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the constitution of Southern Rhodesia lays down that no law may impose any disability or discrimination on the ground of race, he has raised objection to the Maize Control Amendment Act on the ground that the natives are not to benefit from the higher quota rates which are to be granted to Europeans?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERThe provisions of the legislation to which the hon. Member refers are somewhat complicated, but it does not appear that they discriminate unfairly between European and native producers. The Governor was authorised in May last to assent to the Act, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Southern Rhodesia Constitution.
§ Mr. LUNNMay. I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will ask his right hon. Friend to reply to my question in which I point out that while the constitution of Southern Rhodesia lays down that no law may impose any disability or discrimination on the ground of race, the Maize Control Amendment Act is contrary to this constitution in that it provides better facilities and higher payment for non-natives than for natives.
§ Sir V. WARRENDERI will do as the hon. Gentleman suggests, but if he will refer to the reply he will find that it states that my right hon Friend does not think there is any unfair discrimination.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that the reply admits that there is discrimination, but qualifies it by saying it is not unfair, whereas the constitution says there shall be no discrimination whatever.