HC Deb 05 February 1970 vol 795 c620
Q4. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Prime Minister if he will transfer to the Department of Health and Social Security the function of race relations matters now dealt with by the Home Office.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Fraser

Has my right hon. Friend had a chance to study the recommendations on this subject in the report entitled "Colour and Citizenship"? Might it not be better for race relations to separate these functions from the law enforcement and immigration functions of the Home Office?

The Prime Minister

I realise that there is an argument for that and that it has been urged in the report referred to by my hon. Friend. We have considered this matter fully. It was not until 1964 that we appointed a Minister full time to deal with community relations problems. At that time and since, it has been reconsidered. However, it would be a mistake to separate the regulatory side in the Home Office from the constructive side of community relations. They both come under one hat, one Minister and one Department. As my right hon. Friend is responsible for the urban programme as a whole, I think that it is right that they should both be under his general control.