HC Deb 01 June 1960 vol 624 cc1444-5
41. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Minister of Defence whether he has completed his inquiries into racial discrimination in leave centres administered by the Services; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

I have been asked to reply.

Yes Sir. My right hon. Friend is now satisfied that no racial discrimination is exercised against Service personnel in any leave centre administered by the Service Departments.

Mr. de Freitas

In welcoming this change of policy, announced last month and reaffirmed today, may I remind the Minister that it was due directly to pressure from my hon. Friends who were informed of these discriminations as a result of letters from men in the Royal Air Force? Is this not another example of how well-informed Members of Parliament can benefit the Services?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

It would be true to say that originally this was a difficulty. It has now been overcome. Parliament is one of the ways for correcting administrative difficulties of this sort. I am glad that it has been cleared up.