§ 33. Mr. Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will take steps to bring to an end all discrimination against Africans in the hotels of Basutoland.
§ Mr. AlportBasutoland law does not impose any discrimination against Africans in hotels except in relation to the sale and consumption of liquor. The attitude of Her Majesty's Government to discrimination which may arise as a result of social convention is well known.
§ Mr. BrockwayIn a British Protectorate, which is a British Territory, is there any justification whatever for a discrimination between people of one colour and people of another colour? Ought we not to give an example in this matter to the Union of South Africa?
§ Mr. AlportThe hon. Member is aware that the discrimination which relates to liquor is a result of an international agreement of very long standing, although it is true that in practice it has been amended in many respects over a period of time. The view has always been widely held that relationships between races within the Protectorate must be a matter of increasing understanding between individuals on the spot rather than any attempt to resort to legislation.