HC Deb 01 May 1957 vol 569 cc188-9
32. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to safeguard the welfare of coloured students temporarily resident in London.

Mr. Profumo

Welfare facilities for colonial students temporarily resident in London are provided by the British Council. Further welfare facilities are provided by the various colonial students units and liaison officer services maintained in London by Colonial Governments.

Mr. Irving

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a colour bar is operated by the Victoria League in the allocation of hostel accommodation, and does he not agree that this is a deplorable state of affairs in an organisation which professes to promote international friendship? Will he, in the strongest terms, dissociate himself from this segregation and discrimination?

Mr. Profumo

The hon. Gentleman will, I know, recognise that the Victoria League is a voluntary body for which my right hon. Friend has absolutely no responsibility, and in the circumstances I think that it would be improper for me to make comment on that body.