HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc116-7W
Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now name the thirtieth official or citizen of Bermuda in the order of precedence, and the first coloured official or citizen in the list, together with their status or office.

Mr. Lyttelton

The thirtieth person in the table of precedence is Mr. P. C. Outerbridge, Member of the House of Assembly. The first coloured person in the table is Mr. G. A. Williams, Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council, who occupies the twenty-second position.

Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why three American officials occupy seventh, fifteenth and sixteenth positions, respectively, in the order of precedence in Bermuda; and why no representative of the majority coloured population is included.

Mr. Lyttelton

The courtesy precedence granted to the American Consul General is in accordance with established practice throughout oversea territories. That granted to the commanders of the United States Military and Naval Forces stationed in Bermuda follows the decision taken at the time of the establishment of United States bases during the last war. Members of the coloured population in Bermuda are, in fact, included in the table.