HC Deb 12 March 1970 vol 797 c1539
11. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make the grant to the Community Relations Commission conditional on it withdrawing support from the Camden Committee on Community Relations, in view of that committee's action in organising a competition in which schoolchildren were invited to write on politically controversial topics.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

No, Sir.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does the Minister think that it is helpful to good relations in the community that small children, living happily together in the same school, should be invited to write essays on such subjects as "Knock Enoch" and "Keep Britain White", and will the displeasure of Her Majesty's Government be expressed at this misuse of public funds?

Mrs. Williams

This is not a matter of law but a matter of opinion, and opinion in this country is free. The competition was sponsored by a body for which the Government have no responsibility, and the Government would not think it proper to attempt to censor that form of competition.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the entirely unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.