HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc666-7
49. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposals of Her Majesty's Government to limit the incitement of racial hatred, to preserve order at public meetings, and to prohibit the practice of racial discrimination in public places and in legal contracts.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Henry Brooke)

I hope to make a statement at an early date.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, with his usual modesty, he has already made a statement in reply to a Written Question? Did he not, in reply to that question, say that the Government intended to make more severe the penalties under the Public Order Act? Has he anything to add to that? When he does make a statement, will it make reference to racial discrimination in public places as well as to incitement?

Mr. Brooke

I made a statement as long ago as November that it was our intention to increase the penalties. Then we had to await the outcome of certain appeals. Now we have the results and I hope to make a general statement before Whitsun.