HC Deb 09 February 1949 vol 461 cc354-5
16. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken to end the policy of racial segregation of customers in the post office at Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia; and if he is aware that the African and European sections of the counter are separated by a thin partition which could easily be removed.

Mr. Creech Jones

A new building is to be constructed as soon as possible to accommodate the Lusaka Town Post Office. It will provide common facilities in place of the existing African and European sections, which are at present housed in entirely separate portions of the building now occupied. There is a sub-post office at Ridgeway consisting of one room temporarily rented in private premises. I understand that structural alterations are to be made shortly by the lessor and these will enable common facilities to be provided.

Mr. Driberg

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the local authorities are not merely waiting until this new building is constructed before removing the partition, in order to perpetuate a policy of segregation?

Mr. Creech Jones

The authorities assure me that they are very alive to the enforcement of a policy of non-discrimination.

Earl Winterton

Is not this one of the questions which come within the purview of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Rhodesia, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the white population there are getting more and more annoyed by being treated like children by certain hon. Members of this House?

Mr. Driberg

If my Question were not in Order would it not have been refused at the Table?