§ 2.47 p.m.
§ Baroness Elliot of HarwoodMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made by the Home Office in the inquiries into racial violence and racial organisations which were announced in February.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Belstead)My Lords, a survey of the incidence of alleged attacks by members of one racial group on another is being conducted in 13 police areas in England and Wales. This survey will be completed by the middle of July. In the meantime, Home Office officials are visiting these areas to discuss the issues directly with the police, local authorities and members of the ethnic minority communities. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary will announce the conclusions of the study as soon as possible.
§ Baroness Elliot of HarwoodMy Lords, I should like to thank my noble friend very much for that most encouraging reply. I think the sooner this report is published and the details known to the public, the better it will be in this difficult situation for the police. I am delighted to hear that the results of this survey are to be published in July.
§ Lord BelsteadMy Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for the reception she has given to my Answer.