§ 29. Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by the Government of Kenya to prevent all forms of racial discrimination in hotels, restaurants and other public places.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn accepting a Motion in the Kenya Legislative Council calling for the progressive elimination of all forms of discrimination in hotels, restaurants and public places, the Kenya Government expressed its strong opposition to racial discrimination. As hon. Members who have visited Kenya recently will realise, there has been a great improvement in this matter in the last few years and the publicity given to the debate on the Motion will doubtless provide a stimulus for further advance. However, while being anxious to secure further improvement by every form of persuasion and guidance, the Kenya Government does not consider that there is scope at the present time for hastening the process by legislation. I agree with the Kenya Government's views.
§ Sir L. PlummerWill the Colonial Secretary bring to the attention of some of his hon. Friends—who on two occasions talked out a Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) to deal with racial discrimination—the most progressive step taken by the Kenya Government?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI will certainly bring to their attention the action taken in Kenya. I think also that a great many people, including certain trade unions in East Africa and elsewhere, need some guidance on this point.
Mr. DugdaleI welcome the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer. Would not he suggest that the Governor might make an announcement that no hotel practising racial discrimination will be used in future for any official function whatever, and that, as an example to the rest of the population of Kenya, the Governor will himself refrain from using such hotels?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI do not know whether a dramatic observation of that kind would be a real contribution.