HC Deb 09 March 1955 vol 538 c40W
33. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Africans are excluded from various hotels and bars in Nyasaland, including at least one bar to which they were admitted before the imposition of Federation; and what steps he is taking to end this racial discrimination.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The practice of racial discrimination in hotels and bars rests solely with the proprietors, and is not supported by law: I deprecate the existence of the social colour bar; but believe that its progressive removal can only be effectively achieved by the development of an enlightened public opinion.

The bar in question recently changed hands and the fact that its customers are now mainly Europeans has no connection with the creation of the Federation.