HC Deb 04 October 1944 vol 403 c930
44. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now obtained any information on the alleged colour-bar discrimination in operation under the Defence Regulations in the town of Mahé in the Seychelles Islands, to which his attention was called by the hon. Member for Dewsbury.

Colonel Stanley

The Regulation to which the hon. Member refers put hotels, bars and restaurants out of bounds to non-commissioned Seychelles Pioneers and to African Troops. It also put bacca shops out of bounds to Africans. Its purpose was to stop Seychellois and African Troops from drinking rum and other drinks that are strange to them. Unit canteens have been established both for the Pioneers and for African Troops. The Regulation was made with the full concurrence of the local Service and civilian authorities and I am informed that it has proved very successful.