HC Deb 23 June 1958 vol 590 cc27-8
41. Mr. Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations who is his nominee on the Council of the Inter-Racial University in Southern Rhodesia.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)

My noble Friend appointed to the Council of the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland Mr. L. M. N. Hodson, C.M.G., O.B.E., Q.C., a member of the Federal Assembly.

Mr. Brockway

May I welcome the hon. Gentleman on his return and hope that the result will be that some of the reforms that we have advocated in the High Commission Territories will be carried out? On the point in question, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that the early measures of segregation, such as the division of food and different hostels, are breaking down in practice, he will instruct Mr. Hodson to do his utmost as a member of the Council still further to end racial discrimination in the university and certainly not to permit any restoration of separate hostel accommodation?

Mr. Alport

The matters to which the hon. Member refers are entirely matters for the Council of the University. The hon. Member's Question, however, gives me an opportunity of paying tribute to the work which Mr. Hodson has done as chairman of the Council for the last 13 years. Nobody who has visited the college recently can fail but to have noted with pleasure the striking progress which the College has made.

Sir L. Plummer

When the Minister makes a nomination of this kind, does he ascertain what are the general views of his nominee on segregation or integration? If not, should he not do this, in view of the fact that the British taxpayer is paying for this University?

Mr. Alport

In making his selection of his nominee, my noble Friend appoints the man who, he feels, will be most representative and most appropriate for the particular responsibilities which the nomination carries with it.