§ 34. Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the increase in the number of racial attacks in the metropolitan police area in each year since records were kept.
§ Mr. MellorI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 10 December 1985, at column 583.
§ 35. Mr. Brandon-Bravoasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken by his Department and the police service to seek to combat racially motivated attacks.
§ Mr. Giles ShawLast October the Association of Chief Police Officers issued guidance to police forces on the handling of racial attacks. The guidance emphasised the importance of collecting and collating reliable local information about racial incidents and the need for a vigorous and sympathetic police response to these. The guidance supported the training being given to officers working in multiracial areas to heighten their awareness of racism in society and to help them secure the confidence and co-operation of the communities they serve. We have warmly welcomed this constructive document and the Department will be taking a close interest in the steps taken by police forces to combat racially motivated attacks.