HC Deb 03 May 1956 vol 552 cc573-5
15. Mr. Hale

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the amount of the grant already paid from United Kingdom funds to the university college of Salisbury, Central Africa; what further grants have been promised; and to what extent it was made a condition of the grant that the college should be fully multiracial.

Commander Noble

The amount paid up to 31st March, 1956, is £242,776. The United Kingdom Government have agreed to provide up to £1¼ million in all. When Her Majesty's Government originally agreed to make a grant, it had already been made quite clear that this college would be open to students of all races.

Mr. Hale

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman refer to what the former Secretary of State for the Colonies said about this in the debate on Central African Federation, in which the fullest undertaking was given that this would be a multi-racial university in every sense of the word? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make it clear that public opinion in this country will not tolerate the sending of another £1 million to a very excellent institution which is excellently staffed, and which no one desires to criticise, if racial segregation becomes part of its practice?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Speaker

I think that the question contained an injunction to the Minister to remember certain things. I do not think that it called for an answer.

Mr. Beresford Craddock

Has my hon. and gallant Friend seen a report in the Press of a statement alleged to have been made by the principal of this university to the eflect that these allegations about segregation in the university are misguided and mischievous?

Mr. Speaker

Order. We really cannot have newspaper comments laid at the door of the Minister.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman refresh his memory on the pledge given by the former Secretary of State for the Colonies during the discussion on Central African Federation, and ensure that the intention is carried out in the new university? May I also ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to bear in mind that these Questions are put not for any mischievous reason but with a desire to see that money provided by this country is used for purposes in conformity with the views of the House?

Commander Noble

I will certainly refresh my memory, but I would not say that this university is not multi-racial in the full sense of the word. I am quite sure that the House will realise that the council of this university is an autonomous body, and it would be most improper to try to influence its policy by financial pressure.

Mr. Griffiths

May we have an assurance that decisions concerning this university are taken by the university council and the authorities without political influence?

Commander Noble

I think it has been made quite clear both in the letter from the principal of the university to the Leader of the Opposition and in the statement which has been reported in the Press in this country that the decisions are taken by the council itself.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my hon. and gallant Friend express to the university from this side of the House our best wishes for this new experiment, and will he also ask the other side of the House why they want to torpedo this very excellent experiment?

Mr. Ede

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that tolerance in universities in this country was only secured by the action of this House?