HC Deb 02 March 1978 vol 945 cc655-6
19. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now state his policy regarding self-confessed racialist organisations, their public meetings and marches, and their free party political television programmes at election times.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Following recent disorders in connection with marches and meetings organised by the National Front, I have reviewed the powers in the Public Order Act 1936. I have considered a number of changes suggested to me and have consulted chief officers of police. Nothing has emerged so far from these discussions which indicates that deficiencies in the present law are a major problem.

The Government are wholly opposed to those who seek to propagate racialist views. The law on incitement to racial hatred has only recently been strengthened, and it remains too early to make any considered judgment upon the change.

The question of election broadcasting arrangements is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council.

Mr. Allaun

I warmly welcome the Ilford ban, but cannot the order be made to apply more selectively to distinguish between self-confessed racialist organisations and political parties—Left, Right and Centre—as racialism is a crime? If the race relations legislation does not operate in that way, will my right hon. Friend seek to amend it as it is nearly a year since it was altered?

Mr. Rees

The legislation was altered in June to take account of the incitement aspect. I think that we should wait and see what happens in the courts.

I repeat, the decision was taken on the ground of serious public disorder. It is a fact that people other than those marching can cause serious public disorder. This is not an easy matter. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has decided to ban marches in that area. In that I give him my full support. If it needs to be extended because the National Front has said that in a by-election in Lambeth it will make the situation even worse, it will be for the Commissioner to decide what to do. We shall have to see what he proposes.