§ 45. Mr. Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will state the Government's policy with regard to the colour bar; and whether he will instruct all Ministers to take action within their Ministerial and Departmental powers to prevent the operation and continuation of the colour bar.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)The laws and custom of this country upon this subject are well known, and I am advised there is no need for new instructions.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Prime Minister aware that I and, I think, most of my hon. Friends are rather disappointed with his reply and we would have expected him to be more forthcoming? Will he make a wider statement, at least as strong as some statements of his Ministers, in condemning this practice, which has shown itself on many occasions, unfortunately, in this country?
§ Mr. Beresford CraddockIf my right hon. Friend is to make a statement on the matter, will he bear in mind the interest of the white man occasionally?
§ Mr. G. ThomasIs the Prime Minister aware that this is no party issue but that it has already been a matter for discussion with some of his Departmental Ministers in the House and that the Minister of Education declines to withdraw recognition from private schools where a colour bar is practised?
§ The Prime MinisterI think I have answered the Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. GowerOn a point of order. Is this Question strictly accurate, because only recently, as reported in the Press, a coloured man coming to this country said all his countrymen liked to come to this 2155 country because this is the only country in the world without a colour bar?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a point of order.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the question of colour bar has become a great factor in world affairs, and speeches, actions and deeds of Her Majesty's Government may have a tremendous effect on the future of the British Commonwealth?
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly bear that and many other facts in mind.