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generations. In view of this interest, during the last year I have devoted more time to studying
the behaviour and problems of young people in the City area, particularly in relation to the large
number who come into the West End in the evenings and at nights to frequent the clubs and cafes
that flourish there.
I am not of course suggesting that coloured young people form an unduly large percentage of
this number, though they are present among them. These young people come from all parts of
London, and a very large proportion come from outside of it. Many appear to come from the
provinces and a number from Scotland and Ireland. As an officer known to be specifically concerned
with newcomers the problems of many of these young people have been referred to me on the
grounds that they also are immigrants.
Many appear to have come from unstable family backgrounds. Having cut themselves off
from, or having been rejected by their families, many seem to leave their homes to come to London
expecting to find work they would like, and accommodation they can afford easily available. A
very large number appear to resent control of any kind and are not therefore prepared to accept the
restrictions of life in a hostel even if it is available. As we know, hostel accommodation of this kind
is in any case in short supply.
Seeking an exciting social life, many such homeless and rootless young people spend the evenings
and nights in the various clubs and cafes that proliferate. In my report of last year I referred to the
dangers present in this situation. Since this time I have learned more about the activities of such
young people who drift into the area and I believe there is cause for very real concern. They are
highly vulnerable to the advances of amphetamine pedlars who are only too ready to supply the
drugs which will enable them to keep awake as they spend their nights in the cafes and clubs
which are open till the small hours.
The merging of the Boroughs and consequent extension of my responsibilities naturally increased
my work in both variety and volume. In May 1966, Mr. James Mangar was appointed by the
City Council to assist in dealing with the problems with which I have been concerned. Mr. Mangar
holds a Certificate in Sociology and had had previous experience as a social worker in local government.
In addition he had experience in the voluntary field assisting with immigrant problems,
problems of delinquent people and also he had assisted at clubs for young people. Mr. Mangar
was born in the West Indies and is therefore able to make a particular contribution to the work.
Most of his duties since taking up this appointment have been concentrated in the Paddington
district where he is available for consultation and interviews at regular sessions during the week.
This assistance has considerably eased the casework burden and enabled me to spend more
time than previously on the other various aspects of the work.
There was an increase in the number of enquiries resulting from the Restriction of Entry of
Commonwealth Citizens. There was also an increase in the number of people who alleged discriminatory
behaviour towards them. Where appropriate these were of course referred to the Race
Relations Board; other cases were investigated and appropriate conciliation attempted.
There was also an increase in the number of enquiries and requests for advice from employers
who have immigrants among their workers and staff.
The year 1966 was a momentous one in the field of race relations. It saw the development of the
work of the National Committee for Commonwealth Immigrants (set up in August 1965, under
the Chairmanship of His Grace, The Archbishop of Canterbury) and the consequent benefits of
co-ordinated effort and cross fertilisation of ideas between the many people involved, on a formal
and organised basis. Through the organisation, not only was the work in existence intensified but
new patterns were set for a concerted effort in promoting integration.
Another important national development was the setting up of the Race Relations Board, which
has statutory powers to enable it to deal with infringements of the provisions of the Race Relations
Act in respect of discrimination in public places.
As the whole field becomes more complex and activities take on a more decisive form, it can
be seen how important it is for me to have a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the many
things that are taking place, and also to participate in the shaping of many of these activities in
order that experience gained in the City Council area can be of benefit to the field as a whole. This
has entailed attendance at even more meetings, conferences and discussions than in the previous
year.
As the merits and demerits of legislation concerning discrimination are debated, more and
more interested people seek speakers to explain and discuss the problems of integration with
them. As one of the first of the people to be employed in this work, and having had experience in an
area as large and as interesting as the City of Westminster I receive many requests to address
these bodies, particularly as I am a member of the Advisory Panel on Training to the National
Committee of Commonwealth Immigrants.