§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give an assurance that no instructions, advice or requests have been issued or circulated by the Home Office for the police and the Press or any other organisation, requesting or insisting that when reporting muggings or robberies the 39W suspect's colour or country of origin should not be given; and whether he will ensure that full and complete descriptions of all suspects will be given which may lead to their arrest.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe Home Office has issued no such instructions, advice or requests, and has no plans to do so. I have no power to issue directions to the police or the Press about the sort of information they should make public. It is for the police to decide what information, if any, to make available to the Press in order to assist their inquiries.