§ 26. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if he will now make a statement on the abolition of the colour bar against applicants for regular engagements in the R.N. and the Army.
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said on this subject in the course of the Debate on Army Estimates, to which I have at the moment nothing to add.
§ Mr. DribergWill my right hon. Friend expedite the discussions which have now been going on for a very long time, and will he also glance at the statement made last night by the Under-Secretary of State for Air showing the remarkable success of this reform in the Royal Air Force?
§ Mr. BellengerYes, Sir, I heard my right hon. Friend last night, but I am only concerned with my own Department.
§ Mr. WilkesIs the Minister aware that while there may be difficulties in the practical application of the removal of a barrier which has hitherto existed, nevertheless 178 the first thing to do is to remove the barrier and then think afterwards how we are to apply the principle of allowing our colonial peoples to play their full part in imperial defence?
§ Mr. BellengerI am much obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, but the matter requires a little thinking in advance.