§ 43. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister what new instructions he has given to Government Departments to refrain from excluding coloured people from official parties visiting South Africa.
§ 47. Mr. Brockwayasked the Prime Minister if he will instruct all Departments of Her Majesty's Government to 209 refrain from excluding coloured persons from the personnel associated with official visits to South Africa.
§ The Prime MinisterThe composition of the party for any official visit to South Africa will be decided on each occasion in the light of the circumstances.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes that reply mean that the Prime Minister has not a word of condemnation of what has happened, arising from the decision of the Admiralty to exclude some coloured ratings from H.M.S. "Victorious", or that kind of farcical procedure? May we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that it will never be repeated?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have to consider each circumstance on the balance of advantages. At the same time, I was glad to see a letter from the Mayor of Cape Town in The Times this morning which seems to be a helpful sign.
§ Mr. ShinwellWas the action of the Admiralty consistent with the sentiments expressed by the right hon. Gentleman at Cape Town?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have discussed this at some length, but I really think that each case has to be considered on its own. What we have to try to do is to get the balance of advantage or disadvantage. At any rate, I do not think that there is any doubt about the sentiments of Her Majesty's Government on this matter.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhen the Prime Minister says that these matters will have to be decided on the merits of each case, is he aware that when the subject of H.M.S. "Victorious" was raised, the Minister replied that this was the general practice of the Admiralty and that it was not related to the particular case? Is the Prime Minister aware that in the Admiralty Intelligence Circular of April of last year the withholding of coloured people from naval vessels visiting South Africa was laid down as a matter of policy? In view of that, will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that this conduct will not be continued, and will not be extended to other Departments?
§ The Prime MinisterWhat I meant was that we have to consider whether such visits should take place or should 210 not. What I am not prepared to do is to allow British subjects serving in our Forces to be liable to be subjected to bad treatment.
§ Mr. G. BrownBut has the Prime Minister taken note of the strength of feeling in the House on both sides—it was expressed on that side of the Chamber as well as on this last time we discussed it—that if, in fact, on any particular date we cannot send a party of our citizens there and be sure that someone will not be badly treated, it would be better simply not to go?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is really what I meant in what I have just said.
§ Mr. DribergWhen the Prime Minister refers to the letter from the Mayor of Cape Town, could he kindly say whether he believes what is stated in that letter? If so, does not that make the action of the Admiralty pointless?
§ The Prime MinisterI merely instanced it. I thought that it was an encouraging sign that such a letter had been sent.
§ Mr. C. RoyleWill the Prime Minister say whether or not there is any discrimination between black and white when recruits come to the Forces? If they are not seen at that time, is there any reason why they should be seen at times when visits are made to South Africa?
§ The Prime MinisterAs far as I know, there is no discrimination, but I will look into the matter.