§ 4. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Lusaka Racial Relations Committee, set up under the Northern Rhodesian Race Relations (Advisory and Conciliation) Ordinance, 1957, has decided to hold its meetings in camera.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI understand that the Committee felt that to do otherwise would stifle outspokenness and might well deter some complainants from coming forward if they thought that by doing so they would attract unwanted publicity.
§ Mrs. CastleDoes not the Colonial Secretary agree that it is at any rate important that the results of the discussions should be announced in public? Whereas there might be a case for the examination initially to take place in private, will he give an assurance that the findings of the Committee will be made public?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere is a Question down about the findings. I think it is essentially a matter to leave to these committees on which, as the hon. Lady well knows, there is strong African representation.
§ 5. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Board and District Racial Relations Committees set up under the Northern Rhodesian Race Relations (Advisory and Conciliation) Ordinance, 1957, to end racial discrimination in the Territory.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am placing in the Library of the House two advance copies of the first annual Report of the Central Committee, which was tabled in the Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council on 1st April. The Report covers also the activities of the district committees. It indicates what is being done to promote better race relations in a number of ways, including the study of African languages by European children, the encouragement of inter-racial sports, the removal of racial barriers in shops and hotels and co-operation with various bodies, including school authorities, business interests and voluntary organisations.
§ Mrs. CastleWhile thanking the Colonial Secretary for that reply, may I ask him whether he is satisfied that the powers of this Committee are adequate? Could he say, for instance, how they compare with the decree passed in the Belgian Congo last year, which makes it a punishable offence to show racial or ethnic aversion, or to encourage it in any way? Would he not consider introducing a similar decree in this Protectorate?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI think that the Northern Rhodesian Government and authorities deserve the greatest credit for having introduced the arrangements that are now in force, but I will certainly have a look at the Congo proposals.