HC Deb 29 October 1945 vol 415 cc23-4
70. Mr. Skinnard

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what responsibility this country still re- tains for the safeguarding of the African population of Southern Rhodesia against racial discrimination; and is he aware of the discriminatory agreement which has been entered into by the building industry of that country to the prejudice of African workers.

Mr. Parker

The Southern Rhodesia Constitution Letters Patent provide for the reservation for His Majesty's Assent of any law, save in respect of the supply of arms, ammunition or liquor to natives, whereby natives may be subjected or made liable to any conditions, disabilities or restrictions to which persons of European descent are not also subjected or made liable. Individual agreements made under the provisions of the Southern Rhodesia Industrial Conciliation Act do not require the approval of the Secretary of State.

Mr. Skinnard

Is the Minister aware that the protest over this building agreement has been led by the Bishop of Southern Rhodesia and is there any means whatever of His Majesty's Government making representations on the matter to the Government of Southern Rhodesia?

Mr. Parker

The new changes in the Act do not in any way differentiate against natives, compared with the previous laws in operation.

71. Mr. Skinnard

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the Southern Rhodesia Land Apportionment Act of 1941 has now been amended to make it impossible for any native to lease or occupy land in the European area; that resentment has been caused among Africans by this discriminatory legislation; and if he will prevent further discriminatory legislation against Africans in Southern Rhodesia.

Mr. Parker

The provision to which my hon. Friend refers has been in operation since the land apportionment legislation was first passed in 1930, and the recent amending Act does not alter the position in this respect. There is, of course, a corresponding provision in the law restricting the right of any person other than an indigenousnative to acquire, lease or occupy land in the native area.