HC Deb 01 March 1961 vol 635 cc1573-5
28. Mr. Paget

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether in future, he will ensure that Her Majesty's ships refrain from making courtesy calls unless the Admiralty can be assured that discrimination on the grounds of colour will not be imposed on sailors wearing the uniform of the Royal Navy; and whether he will issue a list of those ports at which such discrimination is imposed.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

I have nothing to add to the answers given on 7th February by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Mr. Paget

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister then said that this matter was under consideration? Has further consideration taken place? Are we to go on removing or adjusting ship's company in order to fit in with apartheid?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

My right hon. Friend said on that occasion that on each future occasion the decision would be taken in the light of the circumstances. I have undertaken to do that.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

Barry was exceptionally fortunate last year in that the "Dainty" and the "Chaplet" paid separate visits. I am afraid that we have had to exclude Barry this year, but perhaps later Barry may be lucky again.

Mr. Elwyn Jones

Will the Civil Lord see that the ships are suitably adorned in leeks on this occasion?

Following is the information:

Mr. Foot

Does not the Minister realise that that answer is quite unsatisfactory to the House and that it does not accord at all with the principles of racial equality in which the House claims to believe? Does he think that we should be content with the answer which he has given?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I remind the House that this ship, the "Victorious", was on her way to join the Far East Fleet. On her way she exercised with the South African Navy, and on her way she paid a visit to South African ports. The main matter which we have to consider is that this is an extremely important strategic route, and we must go on paying visits and exercising with the South African Navy if we are to keep that route open for troubled times.

Mr. Dugdale

Will not the Minister consider giving instructions to Her Majesty's ships that they do not enter any port on a courtesy call unless the people in that port will treat the officers and ratings of all ranks and all colours with as much courtesy as they receive from them?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I am afraid that I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said. He dealt fully with this.