§ Mr. Soleyasked the Attorney-General how many people have been referred to him for prosecution for offences under section 5A of the Public Order Act 1936; and how many have been prosecuted since 1979.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe number of persons reported to me for this offence cannot be accurately ascertained except at disproportionate cost. However, I am writing today to the hon. Member about this matter. Fifty-nine people have appeared before the courts between 1 January 1979 and 19 March 1986 for an offence under section 5A Public Order Act 1936 or conspiracy to commit an offence under section 5A. There are at present prosecutions outstanding in respect of five persons.