§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received concerning the adequacy of existing public order laws relating to the publication of material and the incitement of hatred or violence; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will invite the Law Commission to examine and make recommendations relating to public order laws prohibiting the publication of material likely to incite hatred or violence against any religion, race or person; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe existing provisions in the Public Order Act 1986 are, in our view, sufficient to deal with situations that threaten public order. Representations are received from time to time about the scope and effectiveness of these provisions and should a strong case be made for amendment, it would be given most careful consideration. In the meantime, we have no plans to ask the Law Commission to review the legislation.