HL Deb 24 January 1973 vol 338 cc155-6

2.43 p.m.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the position of the racially selected English, Scottish and Welsh National Rugby Union football teams, being part of the United Kingdom desirous of visiting Australia, in view of the recent statement by the Australian Prime Minister that racially selected sporting teams will not be allowed to compete in Australia.

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, I am sure the Australian Government is aware that sports teams from this country are, of course, selected on a national and not a racial basis. The position of such teams is therefore unchanged.

LORD WAKEFIELD OF KENDAL

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer, may I ask whether it is not a rather unusual reply? I do not know what the Welsh national language advocates will think about the reply of the noble Marquess when they press for an extension of broadcasting in Welsh—that selection is dealt with on a national and not a racial basis. Is the noble Marquess not aware that the terms of selection of teams are on a racial basis?

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, I do not think that I should trespass on the Welsh people in this particular context. Speaking as a Scotsman, I would say that my country is made up from several different races in the world, and that is why my original Answer is correct: these teams are selected on a national basis, whether the Welsh nation or the Scots nation, and not on a racial one.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, arising out of the Question which has been put by the noble Lord, Lord Wakefield of Kendal, for whom all rugger players have regard, admiration and affection as "Wakkers", may I ask the noble Marquess whether or not it is the case that the English, Scottish and Welsh teams in the Rugby Union—and still more in the Rugby League—accept non-white players with inequity, and that such players have played with distinction? Therefore there is no reason to think that Australia will refuse admission to these teams.

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, that is perfectly right. That was what I was trying to say in my original Answer.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, may I ask the noble Marquess whether he is aware that the Welsh Rugby Union selectors refused to take Billy Boston, who is a coloured man, only because he had turned professional? Is it not a fact that the English Rugby Union selectors chose a Dutch South African named van Rynefeld? Therefore the noble Lord, who feels that he is right in his Question, should do a little more research.

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, I accept what the noble Baroness says as a fact. I was not aware of the first instance that she gave. I think that my noble friend need have no fears on this score.

LORD WYNNE-JONES

My Lords, is it not true that without the selection of Welsh players the English team would be even less successful than it is now?

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