§ 32. Mr. Norman Bowerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a distinguished West Indian cricketer at present in this country was recently asked to leave a London hotel simply on the ground that he was coloured; 190 and whether, in the interests of maintaining the good name of this country, he will take steps to protect visitors from the Colonies against being subjected to these insulting forms of discrimination?
§ 34. Captain Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. L. Constantine, the West Indian cricketer, was refused admittance to a London hotel; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent coloured British subjects from being insulted in this way?
36. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a recent incident at a London hotel, arising from a successful attempt to impose a colour bar; and what steps he is taking to prevent a repetition of this?
§ 38. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the exclusion from the Imperial Hotel, London, of Mr. Constantine, a Negro citizen; and what steps he is taking to prevent the exercise by hotel-keepers and others of racial discrimination which is repugnant to the traditions of this country?
§ 40. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the operation of the colour bar in some places in this country, he will consult with the Secretary of State for the Home Department with a view to securing, that racial discrimination against Colonial subjects in this country is made illegal?
§ 41. Sir Herbert Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to take any action in respect of the treatment recently of Mr. L. Constantine the West Indian cricketer, by a London hotel on the ground of his colour; and whether he will give the name of the hotel concerned?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansMy right hon. Friend is aware of the incident referred to in these Questions. It is understood that legal proceedings are pending, and it would therefore be improper for me to comment on the incident itself. The hotel in question is the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square. I am glad, however, to have the opportunity of stating on behalf of my right hon. and gallant Friend that he most strongly condemns any form of racial discrimination against Colonial people in this country.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the hon. Gentleman not go farther and ask that this matter shall be considered from the standpoint which I suggested, that any discrimination against coloured subjects should be made illegal?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThere is a Question down to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on the legal position.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill my hon. Friend consult the Home Secretary on whether it would not be possible to oppose the renewal of the licence of this hotel?
§ Mr. Quintin HoggAre the proceedings now pending criminal or civil in their nature? If they are civil proceedings will my hon. Friend consult with the Attorney-General to discover whether it is not a crime for a common inn to refuse to accommodate anybody?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThat question will be dealt with by the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. SorensenHas the hon. Gentleman suggested to the Home Secretary that such a refusal should be made illegal? Has he himself made such a recommendation?
§ Mr. McEnteeOn whose instance are proceedings being taken?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThey are being taken by Mr. Constantine.
§ Mr. G. GriffithsI hope he bowls them out.
§ Mr. SilvermanIs it not an offence under the common law for any person to take any steps whatever which are likely to cause disaffection among various classes of His Majesty's subjects and, if so, why are not criminal proceedings taken?