HC Deb 11 March 1976 vol 907 cc611-2
13. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to introduce legislation amending the conspiracy laws; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The Law Commission's report on conspiracy will be published very shortly. The Government are now considering the report with a view to preparing legislation to reform this branch of the law, but I cannot yet say when the legislation will be introduced.

Mr. Cryer

Does my right hon. Friend accept that the trade union movement in particular and many other people are very much concerned about the wide-ranging nature of the conspiracy laws? Will he assure us that when preparing the legislation he will take into account the excellent resolution on the conspiracy laws that was passed at the last annual Labour Party conference?

Mr. Jenkins

I am aware of these matters, but what I intend to take into account primarily—though not in any way dismissing anything else; I have had several discussions with the TUC—is the report of the Law Commission, which I hope will be generally accepted. The House must wait and see what it says, although it will not now have to wait for very long.