§ 36. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will introduce legislation in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland to make it a punishable offence to show racial or ethnic aversion or hatred, or to commit an act which is calculated to provoke such aversion or hatred.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)No, Sir; I share the hon. Member's dislike for all behaviour showing racial aversion or hatred. The existing provisions of the Penal Code in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland cater for the grosser forms of such misbehaviour; and in Northern Rhodesia the Racial Relations Committees have now been established. Legislation is, of course, primarily for the Governments concerned to consider. In any case, there are limits to the efficacy of legislation in this matter.
§ Mrs. CastleDoes the Colonial Secretary agree, as I know he does, that the colour bar in any form is incompatible with the concept of partnership? Is he aware that the Africans in the Protectorate referred to in the Question are aware that, over the border in the Belgian Congo, a decree, outlined in my Question, was published by the Belgian Government last December? Would not it do a great deal to launch the Federation on a proper basis if the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland were to follow the suit of the Belgian Government?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have looked at that decree, and I doubt very much whether it differs in purpose or effect from the provisions of the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.