HC Deb 10 April 1956 vol 551 cc7-8
10. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for War on whose authority members of the special force, under training at Deerbolt Camp, County Durham, are instructed to blacken their faces to symbolise inhabitants of Africa or other Colonial Territories participating in a riot, in the course of which three natives are represented as being shot; and if he will give instructions that this impersonation which will be resented by British subjects and protected persons throughout the Empire be stopped immediately.

Mr. Head

They represented no particular country or territory, and I do not see that there is any cause for offence.

Mr. Brockway

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to look at this matter again? Is it not the case that this exercise is to be repeated monthly? Will he consult with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, who, if he reflects colonial opinion, will tell him that this is the crude stupidity of a blunted and stunted imagination?

Mr. Head

I did not think that this would cause offence, but I will certainly talk to my right hon. Friend about it. May I remind the hon. Gentleman that I have seen native shows in which the Evil One appears with his face white?

Mr. J. Griffiths

May I ask the Secretary of State if he has seen some of the Press photographs, and if he realises that, if they are published in Africa, they will cause great offence? Will he not reconsider this matter? May I also ask him if the photographs were published with his authority?

Mr. Head

I have seen the photographs. It is not usual for me to be asked for my authority. I should not have thought that such things would have caused offence, but I will certainly ask the views of the Colonial Secretary.