§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can further clarify their attitude to the policy of the Government of the Union of South Africa in regard to race relations, and their own policy in the African Colonies in regard to this matter.]
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, as I explained in an earlier answer in this House, it would not be wise or proper for me to comment upon the policy of another Member of the Commonwealth in a matter which is solely within its internal jurisdiction. I must therefore ask to be excused from answering the first part of the Question.
314 As regards the second part (which is relevant only to territories with communities of more than one race), Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are at one with their predecessors in regarding as the aim of their policy the advancement of all communities without discrimination on grounds of race, colour or creed. Progress must, in our view, be based on partnership between the races, not on domination by any. When, with our aid, each community has achieved a feeling of security in partnership, more rapid progress will be possible with our policy of helping the territory to attain self-government within the Commonwealth. It is not easy to achieve that security and partnership, nor can it be brought about solely by governmental action. It will take time, during which Her Majesty's Government must retain ultimate control. But the end we seek to achieve is in essence clear; it is not discriminatory.