§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many racially motivated incidents were reported to each police force in England and Wales in 1988, 1989 and 1990; what was the nature of the incidents reported; and what was the outcome.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe publication of the number of racial incidents reported to forces is a matter for chief 149W officers. Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary collects forces' figures centrally—the totals for 1988, 1989 and 1990, including figures from the Metropolitan police, are as follows:
Number 1988 4,383 1989 5,044 1990 6,359 The nature of these incidents varies greatly and is not centrally recorded. Their common factor is that, in each case, a racial motivation was perceived by the victim, the investigating officer or a third party. The outcome of each reported incident is a matter for chief officers, but Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary monitors as a priority the response of forces to Home Office guidance on tackling racial attacks and harassment.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of West Yorkshire about attacks on Muslim graves in Bradford and Leeds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWe have every confidence that the force is responding to these attacks promptly and effectively. I understand that attacks in Bradford in May led to several arrests, and that two people are on bail pending charges. An attack in Leeds last week is under investigation. The police have kept in close contact with leaders of the Muslim community throughout.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many racial attacks were reported to the police during 1990.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[pursuant to his reply, 20 May 1991, c. 346]: Six thousand three hundred and fifty-nine racially motivated incidents were reported to police forces in England and Wales during 1990.