§ 80. Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the prevention of racial discrimination and incitement to racial hatred.
§ Mr. BrookeHer Majesty's Government deplore and condemn any form of discrimination on grounds of race, colour or religion. They believe that the complete eradication of discriminatory practices can come about only through the education of public opinion, not by changes in the law. They have considered carefully and sympathetically the 215W possible forms which legislation against racial or other discrimination might take, and are convinced that it would not be practicable to draft legislation which would be effective and enforceable. The reasons stated by the then Lord Chancellor in debate in another place on 14th May, 1962, remain equally valid today.
The Public Order Act, 1963, which came into force on 31st July last, strengthened the deterrent powers of the law for dealing with racial attacks, and no further powers have since been shown to be necessary. But as I have said before, should there be a clear need for further powers, the Government would not hesitate to come to Parliament for them.