§ 30. Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the boycott by Africans of shops in Northern Rhodesia which practise the colour bar.
§ Mr. HareExtensive boycotts of European. Asian and, in a few cases, African-owned shops have been organised by the African National Congress during the last two months in the main urban centres. These have not been directed specifically against shops which are alleged to practise a colour bar. Indeed, the shops most affected are those which cater mainly for the African population.
§ Sir L. PlummerIs the Minister of State aware that the Prime Minister of the Federation has expressed his concern about this grave boycott and that reporters on the spot are saying that it results from the colour bar in shops? Will the Minister consult his right hon. Friend and ensure that, while we are insisting that American oil companies do not practise the colour bar in Trinidad, British firms do not practise the colour bar in other Colonial Dependencies?
§ Mr. HareBoth my right hon. Friend and I will pay heed to what the hon. Gentleman has said, but I would point out that, according to my information, Congress leaders themselves as late as April attributed these boycott activities to higher prices and not to the alleged colour bar.