HC Deb 05 May 1948 vol 450 c1264
52. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Food if he will investigate the discrimination in favour of railway employees over a coloured passenger at the "Railbar" at Euston Station, details of which have been sent to him; and if he will revoke the licence pending more satisfactory arrangements being instituted.

Dr. Summerskill

From inquiries I have made, this was not a case of racial discrimination. But, so far as my information goes, it was a case of "queue-jumping." The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise. I have been assured by the chief hotels superintendent at Euston that there is no question of racial discrimination in any of the catering services under the control of British Railways, and this has been confirmed by my inquiries.

Mr. Erroll

As I have received a letter from a railway employee at Euston saying exactly why they did discriminate against these coloured people, will the Parliamentary Secretary look into the matter again?

Dr. Summerskill

I am very surprised about this, because I sent an official down to this queue and it was found that there was no discrimination.

Mr. Erroll

Were some employees at the head of the queue?

Dr. Summerskill

No, Sir.