HC Deb 27 July 1982 vol 28 cc448-9W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has made to the comments put forward to him by the Commission for Racial Equality concerning the recommendations made by the Home Affairs Committee in its report on the operation and effectiveness of the commission's work; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

The commission's comments on the Home Affairs Committee report were taken into account before the Government's reply to the report was published in April 1982 (Cmnd. 8547).

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his response to the criticisms of Government action in the field of race relations by the Commission for Racial Equality in part I of its annual report 1981; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

In fulfilling its statutory remit to produce a report the commission is fully entitled to express views that are critical of Government action. It has done so in its report for last year. Our response to criticism from any reputable body is to give it due consideration. That does not mean that we accept it.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans for further legislation or other measures in the light of the Commission for Racial Equality's recommendations contained in its annual report 1981; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

As to legislation, we are still reviewing the Public Order Act 1936, which the commission would like to see strengthened. As to other measures, we share the commission's view of the importance of the Report of the Home Affairs Committee on Racial Disadvantage (HC 424ߝ1 : 1980ߝ81) and of Lord Scarman's report (Cmnd. 8427); and we shall continue to respond positively to both these documents.