§ 38. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many reports on discriminatory treatment of Africans have been made to him by the Governor-General after having been submitted by the Standing Committee of the African Affairs Board to the Federal Parliament of Central Africa since it began to function in 1953.
§ Commander NobleNone, Sir.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it not a fact that earlier this year the defence regulations were a differentiating measure? Is it not a fact that Sir John Moffatt protested in the African Affairs Board against the fact that Africans could not get commissions while Europeans do have commissions? Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman care to confirm or deny that Viscount Malvern gave some partial assurance in this matter?
§ Commander NobleThe hon. Gentleman is right. I understand that a few weeks ago the Committee reported that, in its opinion, the regulations to which the hon. Gentleman has referred were a differentiating measure. After discussion the Committee withdrew its report in the light of assurances which it had been given. Thus the report was not brought officially to the attention of my noble Friend.