§ 38. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Transport what representations she has received regarding the employment of coloured bus drivers; and what reply she has sent.
§ Mr. SwinglerIn the past 12 months we have received one representation relating to the company sector, which was referred to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour; and one relating to London Transport, who have assured us that they do not practise discrimination on grounds of colour.
§ Sir C. OsborneIs the hon. Gentleman aware that today it was announced that there are more men unemployed in Birmingham than at any time for 20 years?—[An HON. MEMBER: "Pity the hon. Gentleman is not one of them."]—It is because I am employed here that I annoy hon. Members opposite so much with the facts which I produce. Would the hon. Gentleman do his best to encourage our own men to take on this important work?
§ Mr. SwinglerCitizens of this country are, of course, being encouraged, where necessary, to take jobs in the bus industry and perform an important public service, and I would hope that the hon. Gentleman will join us in deploring racial discrimination in any industry or service.
§ Mr. John FraserWould my hon. Friend recognise that bus drivers of different colours make a better contribution to public transport than buses of different colours?