HC Deb 01 May 1980 vol 983 cc598-9W
6. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received regarding the operation of the Vagrancy Act 1824; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

We have received a number of representations from hon. Members and others suggesting that the suspected person offence in section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 should be repealed or amended. We shall be considering this area of the law in the light of the forthcoming report of the Race Relations and Immigration Sub-Committee of the Home Affairs Committee on the suspected person offence and that of the Law Commission on the law of attempt.