HC Deb 07 July 1992 vol 211 c123W
Ms. Glenda Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the adequacy of existing race relations legislation to deal with untrue claims about the holocaust.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The Government deplore the sentiments expressed by exponents of "holocaust revisionism" and other extreme right-wing groups.

It has always been the tradition in this country that people have the right to express their views—however controversial or repugnant they may be—provided that they do so within the law, including that covering incitement to racial hatred.

We believe that part III of the Public Order Act 1986 has played an important part in deterring acts which are likely or intended to stir up racial hatred and it is for the police and prosecuting authorities to decide whether proceedings should be taken in any particular case. We shall continue to keep the legislation and its operation under review but we have no plans at present for amending it.