§ 30. Ms LynneTo ask the Attorney-General how many prosecutions citing a racial element have been brought since the introduction of the Public Order Act 1986. [12978]
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Nicholas Lyell)I have consented to 15 prosecutions for offences under part III of the Public Order Act 1986 since the Act came into force.
§ Ms LynneGiven that racially motivated attacks are on the increase, does the Attorney-General accept that, notwithstanding changes to section 5 of the Public Order Act, more prosecutions should be made under section 18, or a new crime of racial harassment introduced, so that the perpetrators of those crimes do not get away with just a fine?
§ The Attorney-GeneralPart III of the Act provides a comprehensive selection of offences, which are well placed to cover the events that concern the whole House. The problem in those cases is invariably one of evidence. Provided that the evidence can be obtained—the House will recognise the difficulties—I assure the hon. Lady that there is a strong willingness to prosecute.