HC Deb 22 June 1967 vol 748 cc1927-8
8. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further consideration has now been given to extending the Race Relations Act to cover employment, housing and credit facilities.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to a number of questions on 27th April.—[Vol. 745, cols. 1793–97.]

Mr. Winnick

Will my right hon. Friend give some indication of the talks that he has recently had with industry on this topic? Can he say whether it is likely that the Act will be extended in the lifetime of the present Parliament?

Mr. Jenkins

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I have been in touch very recently with both the T.U.C. and the C.B.I. on the employment aspects of the matter. As I indicated in the replies on 22nd April, if the Government judge that it is right to extend legislation I hope it will be done well within the lifetime of this Parliament.

Mr. Hogg

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider consulting the Leader of the House about the possibility of a debate on these reports, because I understand that a good many hon. Members on both sides of the House would welcome an opportunity of expressing an opinion?

Mr. Jenkins

I will, of course, consult my right hon. Friend, but it is a matter for him and we are getting on rather in the Session.