§ 40. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations he has received from the Prime Minister of India regarding a racial discrimination in Northern Rhodesia involving Indians enjoying diplomatic status.
§ Mr. AlportThe United Kingdom Government have received from the Government of India an aide-memoire on the subject of a recent incident in Southern Rhodesia, which is what the hon. Member presumably has in mind. As the House knows, it is not customary to give particulars of communications between the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth Governments. The hon. Member, however, will no doubt have 585 noted that the Government of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland have publicly expressed to the Indian Government their deep regret for this incident.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the Minister aware that the Federation is attempting to deal with this question by passing a special Immunities Act, and that that Act will impose upon diplomats the indignity of having to carry special chits? Is that Act not also a clear official recognition of the colour bar which exists in the Federation? Further, is it a fact that before the Act can be implemented there must be consultations about certain orders with his noble Friend the Secretary of State? What does he intend to do about it?
§ Mr. AlportWith regard to the hon. Member's first point, I am not prepared to comment upon the merits of legislation passed within the powers of the Federal Government, but I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the fact that a very frank and forthright expression of regret was made by the Federal Government in connection with this incident. Perhaps the hon. Member would put down a Question upon his second point.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWill not the Minister associate the British Government and this Parliament with the expression of disapproval of this action? I appreciate what he has said about legislation, but can he tell us whether any such legislation as that mentioned by my hon. Friend is contemplated? If so, will he convey to the Federation the fact that he would regard that as a breach of the spirit, if not the letter, of its Constitution?
§ Mr. AlportThis is a matter between the Federal Government and the Government of India. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman would agree that the matter should be properly considered as one between those two Governments. As for the right hon. Member's second point, I have already told his hon. Friend that if he puts down a Question I shall do my best to answer it.