§ 2. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds the multi-racial children's party at Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia, was cancelled on the occasion of the Royal visit; and on whose authority the African guests at the official garden party at Lusaka on 20th May were segregated from white guests.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodIt was decided to cancel the children's party in favour of an extended drive by the Queen Mother through Mufulira. In the course of this drive thousands of children of all races were able to see and greet Her Majesty.
As regards the second part of the Question, no official garden party took place at Lusaka on 20th May, and I imagine the hon. Member is referring to the garden party held at Mufulira on that date. Any suggestion that segregation was practised at this or any other function during Her Majesty's visit is unfounded, and I deeply regret that such allegations should have been circulated about a visit which has, I know, given pleasure to all the peoples of Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhilst recognising the pleasure which this visit has occasioned, is not the right hon. Gentleman failing to state the full facts about the cancellation of the children's party? Is he aware that my information is that this children's party was cancelled because European parents declined to allow their children to attend the party where there were African children? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware, so far as the garden party is concerned, that the Press reports clearly indicate that the African guests were segregated from the white guests?
§ Mr. MacleodI am sure that the hon. Gentleman's information on those matters is not accurate. On the first, of course, there was at the time a good deal of anxiety on the Copperbelt—that is perfectly true—particularly centring on the township in the area where the rally would be held. It was thought wiser 194 that an extended drive should take place. As far as the other matter is concerned, I assure the hon. Gentleman that I have been carefully into it and I am sure that the allegation which he makes is untrue.