RACE RELATIONS (Hansard, 10 May 1966)

§ LORD BROCKWAY
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONHAM)
My Lords, the Race Relations Board, which came into being on February 17, have been giving close attention to the duty imposed on them by the Race Relations Act 1965 to set up local conciliation committees for the consideration and investigation of complaints of racial discrimination in contravention of the Act. They have provisionally decided that some 14 or 15 of these committees should be established to cover the whole of Great Britain, and they are now considering the appointment of suitable persons to serve on them. They hope to appoint the first committee, which will be for the Greater London Area, in the course of the next few weeks.

§ LORD BROCKWAY
My Lords, while I express appreciation of what is being done in the establishment of conciliation committees, is it not now becoming clear from experience that the powers of the Race Relations Board should be extended to employment, promotion, housing and credit? May I ask 555 the Minister whether he would consider doing three things? First, to follow the example of the Federal Government of America in insisting that in all Government contracts there should be no discrimination on the grounds of race or colour; secondly, to encourage local authorities to do the same; and, thirdly, to follow the American example of a joint declaration by employers and trade unions against discrimination in industry?

§ LORD STONHAM
My Lords, with regard to the first part of my noble friend's question, I do not think that it can be argued that at this very early stage there is any real evidence that there is need for further legislation. Up to a few days ago there had been just four complaints for consideration by the Race Relations Board. Since then there have been six more from C.A.R.D., five of which are outside the terms of reference and one of which is doubtful. My right honourable friend is certainly watching the matter very closely, and he has not ruled out the possibility that some amendments to the Act may prove necessary. But he wishes first of all to see how the Act works and to get experience of it.
With regard to the three points that my noble friend put to me afterwards, on the first two, regarding colour discrimination in the award of contracts by central or local government, I should have thought, on first hearing, that the question of such discrimination is quite inconceivable. But we will consider the matter and also his suggestion for a joint declaration, which might have some value, but which, again, I should have thought was unnecessary.

§ LORD BROCKWAY
My Lords, while appreciating that reply, may I ask my noble friend whether he will give particular attention to the school leavers? Coloured children are now passing out of school, and there is evidence both from the Manchester youth officers and from North Kensington that they are finding it very difficult to get opportunities of employment commensurate with their competence both in English and in education. I wonder whether he would look at this matter?

§ LORD STONHAM
My Lords, I will most certainly look at it, but, again as 556 my noble friend must be aware, it does not appear to arise directly out of a question related to the Race Relations Board, nor indeed to their responsibilities. It is a matter of considerable importance which my Department and particularly my honourable friend, Mr. Maurice Foley, are looking at very keenly, and I will let him know the noble Lord's views.

§ LORD BROCKWAY
I thank the noble Lord very much.

§ LORD CONESFORD
My Lords, in view of the first supplementary question by the noble Lord, can the Government say whether they think the United States have been more successful than this country in dealing with the problem?

§ LORD STONHAM
My Lords, the noble Lord would not expect me to express an opinion on that question.