HC Deb 18 June 1959 vol 607 cc639-40
32. Mr. Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what action is proposed to end racial segregation in public transport in Swaziland.

Mr. Alport

There is no racial segregation on public transport vehicles which ply for hire solely within Swaziland. On buses operating between Swaziland and the Union of South Africa separate accommodation is provided for in accordance with union regulations. The convenience of through services is considered to outweigh the disadvantage which would be involved in requiring a change of bus at the border.

Mr. Brockway

Is the hon. Member aware that in this British Protectorate the laws of segregation of the Union of South Africa are applied in respect of public transport? Ought not we to stand for no discrimination in the public transport system in a British Protectorate?

Mr. Alport

I have already said that in respect of public transport plying for hire within Swaziland there is no segregation. The other aspect of the question is a matter of convenience, and we have received no representations on the matter from Swaziland itself.