§ 37. Mr. George Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the colour bar now increasingly in operation in places of entertainment, as instanced by the case of a West Indian airman stationed at Athan Camp, who was refused admission, although in the King's uniform, to the Capitol Ballroom, Cardiff, on Easter Monday night because of his color, he will issue a circular to local authorities advising them to withdraw the licence in such cases.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)My inquiries about the particular incident show that the refusal of admission was not based on any color bar, and my information is that at Cardiff as elsewhere the general attitude of the public has been one of welcome to the Colonial airmen whose gallant services are appreciated. I doubt whether it would be appropriate for me to issue instructions about proceedings before licensing justices, but I take this opportunity of repeating my strong condemnation of any colour bar in connection with licensed premises, and I am sure that condemnation is shared by responsible public opinion throughout the country.
§ Mr. ThomasWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, and accepting wholeheartedly his statement about the public at Cardiff, may I ask if it is now 519 clear that offensive action of this sort against British citizens, who have left their own motherland to come to Britain, will be dealt with by the Home Department when places are dependent upon a public licence?
§ Mr. EdeNo, Sir. I do not grant these licences. They are granted by the appropriate persons in the localities, but I hope the expression of opinion that I have given will be borne in mind by such people when they are considering objections that may be raised to the renewal of licences, or in other ways have to deal with the subject.