HC Deb 13 July 1981 vol 8 c280W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will call a conference of the local authorities, police, employment officers, community relations officers and hon. Members in areas with population of more than 10 per cent. ethnic populations to discuss current problems.

Mr. Whitelaw

I am not sure that such a large-scale conference would be the best way to obtain the views of those concerned. In the course of the study of racialist activities which I announced earlier this year, my officials are visiting most areas with a substantial ethnic minority population to discuss current issues with the local authorities, the police and representatives of the ethnic minorities. I and other Ministers are having discussions or receiving representations from a variety of interests and areas involved.