HC Deb 20 December 1955 vol 547 cc307-9W
Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies, Protectorates and Trusteeship Territories there is discrimination on the grounds of race in the use of hotels, restaurants, post offices or shops; and the nature of this discrimination.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The use of hotels, restaurants and shops is not governed by any general law but by social convention. The policy of Her Majesty's Government in this matter is well known. It is not practicable to say where such discrimination exists, or what may be its nature, since in any territory social conventions may differ widely. No postal department for which I have responsibility in any Colonial Territory permits any racial discrimination in the use of post offices.

Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies, Protectorates and Trusteeship Territories there is discrimination on the grounds of race in the ownership or leasing of land; and the nature of the discrimination.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am having the information on this subject brought up-to-date in respect of all territories for which I have responsibility; and will make this available to the House as soon as I can.

Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies, Protectorates and Trusteeship Territories there is discrimination on the grounds of race in the use of hospitals and medical clinics, including separation in different hospitals and clinics; and the extent of this discrimination.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

This information is being obtained and will be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in which Colonies. Protectorates and Trusteeship Territories there is discrimination in the location of residences on the ground of race.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am having the information on this subject brought up-to-date in respect of all territories for which I have responsibility; and will make this available to the House as soon as I can.