§ 9. Mr. Leachasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a colour bar exists in the Royal Air Force; whether it has his approval; and whether he will issue advice to coloured British subjects desirous of enlisting as to what they should do?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Captain Harold Balfour)There is no such bar. British subjects of non-European descent who are in this country are considered on their merits for service with the Royal Air Force, and several have been accepted for such service since the outbreak of war. Any others who desire to enlist should apply to the nearest combined recruiting centre.
§ Mr. LeachWhile thanking the Minister for that very satisfactory reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that this obstacle of colour is actually placed in the way of coloured applicants in some places, and if I give him evidence of that, will he look into the matter?
§ Captain BalfourIf the hon. Gentleman will give me any specific evidence that any recruiting centre is imposing such a bar, or stating that there is any such imposition, I shall be very glad to receive that information.
§ Mr. McGovernIs it known whether there is any colour bar to the hon. Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach) being bombed?