HC Deb 12 November 1953 vol 520 cc1111-2
1. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he is aware that it is the policy of the new Rhodesian University College to admit African students either to mixed classes or to parallel classes; and whether he will take action to avoid the segregation on the latter lines.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)

This will be a matter for decision by the governing body of the college. Neither the college nor its governing body is yet in existence. The Inaugural Board in Rhodesia, however, has already resolved that for admission to the university educational attainments and good character alone will be taken into consideration", and the delegation, which recently visited London for discussions with the Inter-University Council, indicated that this very sound principle will generally govern the administration of the institution.

May I remind the hon. Member, also, of the opinion held by the present Prime Minister of the Federation, about which the House was informed on 6th May, that undergraduates of any race should share the same teachers and undertake the same courses on a basis of academic equality.

Mr. Johnson

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that many hon. Members of this House, including the Secretary of State for the Colonies himself, used the multi-racial policy of this new University College as an argument for Federation? Is he aware that on page 2 of "Information for Intending Candidates" to this new college it states: Members of staff will be called upon to lecture to African students either in mixed classes or in parallel classes. Will the hon. and learned Gentleman comment on that?

Mr. Foster

That document was issued without authority and has been withdrawn. In future, the appointments will be carried out through the Inter-University Council in the United Kingdom.

Mr. J. Griffiths

While recognising with a University with this independence that this must be a matter for them to decide, may I ask whether the Government are taking steps to convey to them the pledges given by the Secretary of State for the Colonies on this matter recently?

Mr. Foster

There is no need to convey them. They are well aware of them.